Throughout history, the rose has been the symbol of love, purity, devotion, inspiration, beauty, compassion and sensuality. It was prized as the flower of Aphrodite to the ancient Greeks. To the early Christians it was the flower of the Virgin Mary. To the Arabs of old it represented the highest spiritual achievement. The rose was also a symbol of secrets held in confidence: it was an ancient practice to hang a rose over a council table, letting all who attended know they were sworn to secrecy.