ROSES

Rose symbolizes life and joy of life, gaiety and happiness. Roses are depicted in every state and position, from side, top, as a bud, half in bloom or in full bloom.

For further reading: Ulla Ther Floral Messages, Edition Temmen, 1993.

ROSE OIL

Distillation is the technique still used today to produce rose oil, it can be produced in factories or in the cottages of rose cultivators. While in factories huge stills are employed, traditional producers use smaller copper stills heated over wood fires. The blooming season of the rose begins around 18-20 March and continues until the end of June. To every 100 kilos of petals 240 liters of water are added, and the wood fired beneath is lit. Behind the stills is a huge tank of cold water which is used for cooling the distilled rose water. The petals are boiled for two hours, during which time the steam passes through pipes which run through the tank, evaporating in the process. The resulting rose water is emptied into tin containers, each holding 100 kilos. This rose water is then poured back into the still while the other petals are still boiling, and it is finally poured into bottles. The oil which rises to the top is removed using syringes and poured into separate bottles. The rose water becomes ready for sale and helps repay everyone for their hard work. Just 1 gram of rose oil is obtained from 3 kilos of rose petals.

Reference: Hünkar Sibel Görel, SKYLIFE

Some selected examples (please click on pictures to enlarge):