Rose of Luther

The Rose of Luther is one of the most famous symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. This sign was designed by Martin Luther himself, who used it, in particular, to confirm the originality of his works. What is the history and meaning of this symbol?

The meaning and symbolism of Luther's Rose

To explain the meaning of the elements of this symbol, we must turn to Martin Luther's letter from 1530. when he first described his project. The reformer saw in this symbol the expression of his theological thoughts and faith. Below are quotes from the above letter:

The first element should be a cross, a black cross in the heart, which should have its natural color to remind me that faith in the Crucified One makes me blessed. Because faith accepted in the heart leads to justification. Such a heart must be inside a white rose to show that faith brings joy, encouragement, and peace. Therefore, the rose should be white, not red, because white is the color of spirits and all angels. This rose is in a blue field to show that such joy in spirit and faith is the beginning of heavenly joy in the future. A gold ring is placed around this field, because such bliss in heaven is eternal and infinite and dearly stands above all joy and goodness, just as gold is the most precious metal.

So that:

• Black cross in the heart - a reminder that faith in the Crucified One makes you blessed.
• Heart inside a white rose - show that faith brings joy, comfort and peace.
• White Rose - because white is the color of spirits and all angels
• Blue field - to show that such joy in spirit and faith is the beginning of heavenly joy in the future.
• gold ring - because such bliss in heaven lasts forever, has no end and is costly, first of all, joy and goodness, just as gold is the most expensive precious metal.

Rose of Luther today

Today, the Luther rose is used in various forms as a sign of the tradition of the Lutheran Reformation and as an emblem of individual Lutheran churches in different countries (including the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland).

Interesting fact about the rose

This symbol is used in many coats of arms, especially in cities in Germany. It is unknown if Martin Luther visited any of these locations. Below is a gallery of coats of arms in which this sign can be found.