Roses

I guess around here, the big bloom month for roses is June. But roses overall seem to have a long bloom season, and many are in bloom now, even though it is almost August. The picture of roses was taken at the UC Botanical Garden.

Roses have a long, rich history and are associated with many deities, one of which is Venus. She is the Roman goddess of beauty and love.  Most everyone has seen "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli. You know, the one with the naked lady on the clam shell rising out of the sea. Well, if you take your eyes off of the beautiful woman, you might notice that she is surrounded by roses. Roses are one of her sacred flowers. Roses were offered to her in sacred rites, and they symbolized her strengths.