Continuing with Charlie’s invitation to find a day to doodle from National Calendar Days, today, (April 29th), is National Peace Rose Day.
War was on the horizon when French horticulturist Frances Meilland developed a hybrid tea rose with petals light yellow to cream-colored and edged with crimson pink.
Wanting to protect the new rose, cuttings were sent away to friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany and the United States. One story has it that the cuttings sent to the United States made it out on the last flight just ahead of the German invasion of France.
The rose cuttings thrived, and because the war prevented communications between the growers, different names were given to the new rose. In Italy, it was called Gioia, meaning Joy, while Germany named the rose Gloria Dei, for glory to God. In France, it was called “Madame A. Meilland” in honor of the breeder’s mother, and is the official cultivar name for the rose.
As the Second World War finally came to a close in Europe, the trade name “Peace” was publicly announced on April 29, 1945, the name it was given in the United States, Sweden and Norway. Later that year delegates at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations were each given a Peace rose with note that read:
“We hope the Peace rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.”
Wishing for more trees (today, the last Friday in April, is also National Arbor Day), more roses, and of course more peace.
Ahead of the storm
Hope blossomed in foreign lands
Roses sweet as peace
She is so beautiful. Peace to you on National Arbor Day. I love my trees.
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Thank you so much. Peace to you as well.
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Such a lovely work of art and poem to go with that story about this rose! 💕🌹
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Thank you Teresa, I am glad you enjoyed it.
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Thank you Haunani for posting the story of the peace rose. My grandmother grew them, it was her favorite rose. When she passed we scattered her ashes in a peace rose garden.
I love your beautiful drawing and poem. Thank you for sharing your art.
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Thank you Sharon for your sweet words. What a lovely and beautiful way to honor your grandmother, thank you for sharing that precious memory.
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The Peace Rose has always been a favourite of mine. Often grown in my gardens. Thank you for sharing its story. Beautiful artwork.
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Thank you for the kind words and how lovely that you have the roses in your garden! I am sure they offer beautiful inspirations for you.
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My parents had one in their garden, it was my mothers favorite flower. Such a wonderful piece of art you created!
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Thank you so much, I appreciate your taking the time to visit and comment. It is heart warming to learn how so many people have enjoyed this flower and the beautiful memories associated with it. Thank you for sharing your memories.
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What a beautiful post, Haunani, both words and artwork. A wish for today and every day. (K)
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Thank you so much. Peace.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you.
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So poignant and delicately beautiful, Haunani. Thanks for sharing!
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Always lovely to see you Laura, thank you for your kind words.
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This is such a beautiful post, Haunani! Love it!! 😍Fantastic drawing… just gorgeous. And love the background on the peace rose. Here’s to more peace and trees in this world we share! 🌹
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Thank you Charlie, your thoughtful comments always make me happy.
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Lovely painting…..tender and peaceful.❤️
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Thank you so much.
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Thanks for the interesting story, Haunani. I didn’t know those are peace roses. They are so beautiful and generous and pleasantly scented. Your gorgeous illustration introduces the story so well. And the meaning of your short poem came to life after I read the story. 🙂
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Thank you Myriam, I am glad you enjoyed the post and am pleased the presentation worked. I was tempted to do a simple watercolor of the rose, but the pen and ink won out and it was fun to do.
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Lucky Birgit to have seen the peace rose in her parents garden. Very informative and grew day to illustrate with wonderful themes…your style is so very art nouveau to me😊
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Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it.
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Your illustration is beautiful! The roses really pop and your woman is so pretty. It reminds me of a page from a vintage book. And what an interesting story. 😀
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Thank you, I am glad you like it, and I really like the idea of a page from a vintage book, that makes me feel very happy.
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That’s great! I’m glad 🙂
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