If you ask people to name their favourite flowers, it is likely that they will place roses high on their lists. Roses are very popular, and have been named the Queen of flowers, possibly because of their beauty -- creating a wide expanse of color in the garden, and valued for their heady fragrance too. There are thousands of varieties that differ in shape of blooms, size, fragrance and some even lack thorns. Roses are so popular you cannot go far wrong when stitching a cross stitch rose pattern.

Many rose enthusiasts maintain that roses reflect the nature of life. All of us must overcome the thorns in life to achieve a sense of contentment and harmony.

You'll find no shortage of possibilities if you are looking for a cross stitch rose pattern. You can stitch an arrangement of realistic roses or, if you like, a modern rendition by artists such as Rennie Mackintosh. The design you decide to stitch should suit the tastes of the recipient. But as you're considering your choices, don't forget the symbolic meaning of roses.

For instance, consider Venus and Aphrodite. These Greek goddesses of love were symbolized by roses. Another influence roses had on society is in the derivation of the term 'sub rosa.' In Italy when a secret meeting took place, they placed a rose on the door. The rose symbolized that the meeting was 'under the rose,' which meant they were keeping secrets.

Christians also felt roses had symbolic meaning. Roses have five petals, and those petals represented Christ's five wounds. In addition, red roses were said to be symbolic of the blood that flowed from martyrs for Christianity.

Many cultures feel the rose is symbolic. For both England and the United States, the rose is the national flower. For many people, social democracy and socialism are symbolized by red roses. Roses can be found on many coats of arm. Moreover, the English War of the Roses was fought by two groups, the House of Lancaster and the House of York, that were represented by roses. The House of Lancaster was represented by a red rose while the House of York was represented by a white rose.

According to the language of flowers, the color and shape of roses have great symbolic importance. These can communicate a message to the recipient of the rose.

* Red roses depict love for most people. A red rosebud symbolizes something beautiful and pure. Moreover, if the red rose is devoid of thorns, it represents love discovered at first sight.

* A yellow rose means platonic love, friendship and joy. It can also symbolise new beginnings. If the yellow rose has red tips, this could indicate falling in love. Beware of yellow roses in German speaking countries. Here, they mean infidelity and jealousy.

* Pink roses are suitable when you appreciate the actions of another. If the pink is dark, then the rose symbolizes being grateful to another person. At the other end of the spectrum, light or pale pink roses convey being sympathetic toward the other person.

* Peach and orange roses can be given to woo someone. They're symbolic of sensuality, desire, passion, and fascination.

* White roses are always popular, especially with brides. They depict innocence and purity. White rosebuds are always in demand because they symbolize starting a new life. Some people feel white roses also stand for humility and reverence.

The fun thing about utilizing a cross stitch rose pattern to create an heirloom for a special person is you can change the color of any of the roses. Simply alter the pattern to suit your needs.

If you alter the pattern, remember these ideas:

* If you substitute some colored threads from a kit, do use the same brand of threads to that which you are discarding. There are subtle but important differences between different brands and types of thread.

* When you change the color of the rose, don't forget to add shading. Shading gives the flowers a three-dimensional appearance. Don't simply buy one color to stitch the rose.

* Craft shops can be a huge help when you're deciding what threads you'll need. You'll be able to test the threads by putting them next to each other. This way, you can guarantee that the finished flowers will look great. As you decide which colors to use, don't forget about the other colors in your cross stitch rose pattern. You'll want to consider the material and any other stitching that will appear in the pattern.

If you consider the information above, you will be assured of choosing a great project -- and much appreciated gift for that special someone.