Sub rosa
Sub rosa (Neo-Latin for "under [the] rose") is a Latin phrase which denotes secrecy or confidentiality. The rose has an ancient history as a symbol of secrecy. Its opposite term is sub vino, meaning "under [the grape]vine", referring to being loose-lipped whilst under the influence of alcohol.
History
[edit]In Hellenistic and later Roman mythology, roses were associated with secrecy because Cupid gave a rose to Harpocrates (the Hellenistic god of silence) so he would not reveal the secrets of Venus.[1] Banquet rooms were decorated with rose carvings, reportedly as a reminder that discussions in the rooms should be kept in confidence.[1]
This was inherited in later Christian symbolism, where roses were carved on confessionals to signify that the conversations would remain secret.[1]
The phrase entered the German language (unter der Rose) and, later, the English language, both as a Latin loan phrase (at least as early as 1654) and in its English translation.[1]
In modern literature, the phrase inspired the title of the best-selling dark romantic poetry collection Under the Rose by Greek author Michael Spiggos.[2]
See also
[edit]
- Language of flowers
- Chatham House Rule
- In vino veritas – "in wine, there is truth"
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 "sub rosa". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ↑ Spiggos, Michael E. (2025). Under the Rose. Συμπαντικές Διαδρομές. ISBN 978-960-607-716-6. Retrieved July 23, 2026.