Since the mid-1940s, April 29th has been commemorated annually as National Peace Rose Day. The Peace Rose originated from the efforts of French horticulturist Francis Meilland in 1939. Fearing the impending German invasion of France, Meilland sent clippings of his new rose to friends in Italy, Turkey, and the U.S.

Each country bestowed a different name upon the rose. In France, it was called Madame A. Meilland, in Italy, Gioia, and in the U.S, it earned the name the Peace Rose.

Historical Background

Creation of the Peace Rose:

• The Peace Rose, originally named ‘Madame A. Meilland,’ was developed by French horticulturist Francis Meilland in the late 1930s. Meilland began cultivating this hybrid tea rose just before World War II broke out. Anticipating that the war could disrupt the spread of the rose, Meilland sent cuttings to rose growers in various countries, including Italy, Germany, and the United States, for safekeeping.

Naming the Peace Rose:

• As the war came to an end in 1945, the rose had successfully spread and become popular worldwide. On April 29, 1945, the day that Berlin fell to the Allied forces, the Peace Rose was officially introduced in the United States. The rose was renamed "Peace" in honor of the end of World War II and as a symbol of the hope for lasting peace. It was introduced by the Conrad Pyle Co. at the Pacific Rose Society Exhibition in Pasadena, California. Each guest at the event received a bloom of the rose along with a note that read: "We are persuaded that this greatest new rose of our time should be named for the world’s greatest desire: peace."

Significance in the World:

• The Peace Rose has since become one of the most widely grown and celebrated roses in the world. It was awarded the prestigious All-America Rose Selection (AARS) in 1946, and it continues to be a symbol of beauty, resilience, and hope for peace across the globe.

Purpose and Symbolism

Symbol of Peace:

• The Peace Rose is a living symbol of peace, often associated with the end of conflict and the hope for a harmonious future. It was introduced at the close of World War II, a time when the world was yearning for healing and reconciliation. The delicate, yet strong, rose became a representation of the universal desire for peace and understanding.

Symbol of Beauty and Resilience:

• The rose’s elegant appearance, with its large, full blossoms and soft color gradients, embodies both beauty and resilience. The Peace Rose’s story of survival during a time of global turmoil adds to its symbolic importance, representing the strength and persistence of beauty even in the face of adversity.

Honoring Nature and Horticulture:

• National Peace Rose Day also celebrates the art of horticulture and the role that roses, particularly the Peace Rose, play in gardening and floral design. The day encourages appreciation for the natural world, the skill of rose breeders, and the simple, calming presence that roses bring to our lives.

Celebrating National Peace Rose Day

Planting a Peace Rose:

• One of the most popular ways to celebrate National Peace Rose Day is by planting a Peace Rose in your garden. Gardeners and rose enthusiasts take this opportunity to cultivate this iconic flower, which not only adds beauty to a landscape but also serves as a reminder of peace and hope.

Visiting Rose Gardens:

• Many public gardens, particularly those dedicated to roses, feature the Peace Rose among their collections. Visiting a local rose garden allows you to see the Peace Rose in full bloom and appreciate its beauty in a serene and peaceful setting. Many rose gardens across the United States host events or educational programs in honor of the day.

Gifting a Peace Rose:

• Sharing the Peace Rose with others is a beautiful way to spread its message of peace. Gifting a Peace Rose plant or bouquet to a friend, family member, or loved one symbolizes a gesture of goodwill, friendship, and harmony. Florists often offer special arrangements featuring the Peace Rose in honor of National Peace Rose Day.

Reflecting on Peace:

• National Peace Rose Day also offers an opportunity for personal reflection on the concept of peace. Whether it's peace within oneself, peace in relationships, or peace on a global scale, this day encourages thoughts and actions that promote calm, understanding, and unity.

Sharing the Peace Rose Story:

• The story of the Peace Rose is rich with historical significance and meaning. Sharing this story with others, either through social media, writing, or conversation, helps to keep the legacy of the Peace Rose alive and reminds people of the importance of striving for peace in everyday life.

The Peace Rose in Popular Culture

Global Reach:

• The Peace Rose is known and cultivated around the world, recognized not only for its beauty but also for the powerful symbolism it carries. It has been featured in numerous horticultural exhibitions and continues to be a favorite among rose enthusiasts globally.

Commemorative Events:

• Various horticultural societies and rose organizations hold annual events around National Peace Rose Day to celebrate the rose and its significance. These events often include lectures, rose shows, and planting ceremonies aimed at educating the public about the history and importance of the Peace Rose.

Fun Facts About the Peace Rose

• Color Variations: The Peace Rose typically features large, creamy yellow petals with pink or apricot edges. The colors can vary slightly depending on the climate and soil conditions, but the rose is always characterized by its soft and delicate appearance.

• Longest-Blooming Hybrid Tea Rose: The Peace Rose is known for its long-lasting blooms, making it one of the most resilient and enduring hybrid tea roses available.

• Symbol of Peace at the United Nations: After World War II, the Peace Rose was presented to diplomats at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations as a symbol of peace and hope for the future.

Conclusion

National Peace Rose Day is a celebration of beauty, resilience, and the enduring hope for peace. By honoring the Peace Rose, we are reminded of the importance of striving for harmony in our own lives and the world around us. Whether by planting a Peace Rose, visiting a rose garden, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the meaning of peace, this day offers a unique opportunity to appreciate one of nature’s most beautiful symbols of hope.