"_Under the Rose_" (Vol. i., p. 214.).--I find the three following
derivations for this phrase in my note-book:--
I. "The expression, 'under the rose,' took its origin," says
Jenoway, "from the wars between the Houses of York and
Lancaster. The parties respectively swore by the red or the
white rose, and these opposite emblems were displayed as the
_signs of two taverns_; one of which was by the side of, and the
other opposite to, the Parliament House in Old Palace Yard,
Westminster. Here the retainers and servants of the noblemen
attached to the Duke of York and Henry VI. used to meet. Here
also, as disturbances were frequent, measures either of defence
or annoyance were taken, and every transaction was said to be
done 'under the rose;' by which expression the most profound
secrecy was implied."
II. According to others, this term originated in the fable of Cupid
giving the rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, as a bribe to
prevent him betraying the amours of Venus, and was hence adopted as the
emblem of silence. The rose was for this reason frequently sculptured on
the ceilings of drinking and feasting, rooms, as a warning to the guests
that what was said in moments of conviviality should not be repeated;
from which, what was intended to be kept secret was said to be held
"under the rose."
III. Roses were consecrated as presents from the Pope. In 1526, they
were placed over the goals of confessionals as the symbols of secrecy.
Hence the origin of the phrase "Under the Rose."