Uncovering the Mysteries: The Biblical Meaning and Symbolism of the Rose of Sharon

The “rose of Sharon” is referenced only once in the Bible, yet it has become one of the most well-known symbols of the Christian faith This poetic phrase evokes imagery of beauty, love, and Jesus Christ himself But what does this enigmatic flower really mean in biblical terms? Let’s dig into the mysteries behind the rose of Sharon.

Flower of Controversy: Identifying the Rose of Sharon

The rose of Sharon appears in Song of Solomon 2:1, where the Beloved says “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.” This has led to speculation that it represents the Messiah. However, the identity of this flower has been shrouded in confusion. Here’s what we know:

• The Hebrew word translated as “rose” is “habashelet”, which may mean a crocus, narcissus, or other bulb flower It does not refer to an actual rose.

• Sharon was a fertile plain along the Mediterranean coast in Israel. So the “rose of Sharon” means a flower from that region.

• It has been theorized the flower could be a tulip crocus, iris or other lily variety that grew wild in the Sharon plain.

While we lack definitive proof, it seems the rose of Sharon was a bulb flower like a crocus or iris, not an actual rose bush. The true species remains lost to time.

Symbolic Meanings Behind the Rose of Sharon

Though the exact flower species is uncertain, the rose of Sharon still carries rich symbolism. Here are some of its biblical meanings:

• Beauty and delicacy – As a wildflower, it likely had delicate petals and beauty. As part of the Beloved’s self-description, it shows humility.

• Fertility and prosperity – The Sharon plain was proverbially fertile. The flower’s origin there evokes life, growth, and bounty.

• Simplicity – As a common wildflower, it represents simplicity and modesty versus cultivated, showy hothouse roses.

• Love and passion – Roses symbolize love, making the rose of Sharon an emblem of the sensual love in Song of Solomon.

• Jesus Christ – Some see it as representing the Messiah because the Beloved describes herself with the image. However, the evidence for this is shaky.

The rose of Sharon illustrates the Beloved’s pure, delicate beauty and the natural richness of Solomon’s kingdom. More than the literal flower, the symbolism resonates most powerfully.

Questionable Connection to Christ

Despite the longstanding association of the rose of Sharon with Jesus Christ himself, the evidence supporting this is quite limited:

• It originates from allegorical interpretations of Song of Solomon as depicting Christ and the Church, which most scholars now reject.

• Nothing about the flower’s description intrinsically relates it to the Messiah. Identifying it as Christ relies heavily on allegory.

• The crocus or lily identity undermines parallels to Christ like thorns on a rose bush.

• Scripture never directly parallels Christ with a rose or connects the rose of Sharon passage to him.

While one can draw inspiration from comparing Christ’s beauty and love to a rose, the biblical source for this symbolism is fragile at best. The association developed outside Scripture through allegory.

Tracing the History of the Symbolism

Despite the uncertain biblical foundation, the rose of Sharon as a symbol of Christ has an intriguing history:

• The allegorical interpretation linking the Beloved and Lover to Christ and the Church originated with early Church fathers like Origen.

• Church writers expanded on the allegory, reading deep Christian symbolism into Song of Solomon’s romantic imagery.

• The imagery and analogies circulated widely through sermons and writings in the medieval church.

• By the 12th century, the rose of Sharon as a symbol for Christ was popular and widely recognized.

• Representing Christ as the rose became a beloved iconographic tradition in medieval religious art.

Though its scriptural origins are questionable, the rose of Sharon became a standard Christian emblem over centuries of tradition.

The Significance of Roses in Christianity

More broadly, roses have carried symbolic importance in Christianity beyond the specific rose of Sharon:

• Beauty, fragrance, perfection – Roses’ elegant appearance and sweet scent reflect divine beauty and God’s flawless creation.

• Love and devotion – Red roses represent the passion of Christ’s love and saints’ ardent devotion to God.

• Sacrifice – Thorns on rose stems symbolize Christ’s sacrifice and suffering on the cross.

• Secrecy – The phrase “sub rosa” (Latin for “under the rose”) means confidentiality, referring to ancient Roman practices where roses adorned confidential meeting rooms.

• Paradise – Garlands of roses represent the joys of heavenly paradise.

• Virgin Mary – Roses symbolize the Virgin Mary, possibly because “Mystic Rose” was one of her titles in litany prayers.

Beyond the debated rose of Sharon, roses have carried rich theological significance about divine love, sacrifice, beauty, and devotion throughout Christian history.

Roses in Religious Art and Architecture

Artworks over the centuries prominently incorporated roses to convey theological meanings:

• Medieval and Renaissance religious paintings often include roses as symbols of Mary or Christ.

• Stained glass windows in Gothic cathedrals used rosettes (circular rose windows) to represent heavenly light and the soul’s ascent.

• Rosy hues in religious art represented holy inspiration, angels, and paradise.

• Rosy cheeks on Baby Jesus or saintly figures indicated divine incarnation and holy innocence.

• Garlands of roses adorn angels and saints, while crowns and scepters feature roses as tokens of Christ’s sovereignty.

Roses permeated Christian art as versatile symbols of theology. The rose carried sacred meanings beyond its literal form.

Enduring Impact of the Symbol

While the biblical meaning of the specific rose of Sharon is unclear, roses have endured as beloved symbols of faith:

• They represent key doctrines like Christ’s passion, the Virgin Mary, and God’s creation.

• They beautify religious ceremonies, holidays, art, and architecture.

• Their delicate appearance yet thorny stems evocatively epitomize tenets like divine love and sacrifice.

• Fragrant roses are planted in monastery and church gardens to inspire spiritual reflection through the senses.

Though the identity of Song of Solomon’s rose of Sharon is long lost, the rose remains among the most poignant and iconic symbols of Christianity.