Rose of Sharon

by Steffani McChesney

I have always liked the Rose of Sharon block and its many variations and I think the name is as beautiful as the blocks themselves. The name, of course, is from the Song of Solomon in the Bible; “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” Rose of Sharon is even the name of a character in the John Steinbeck novel, The Grapes of Wrath, set in the Bakersfield area during the Depression. They call her “Rose o’ Sharn” in their Oklahoma accent.

The Rose of Sharon pattern was used in textiles, china, wallpaper and crewelwork long before it became a quilt block, but is now considered primarily an appliqué pattern for quilts. The block has been popular for use in bridal quilts to celebrate the joys of wedded life for the newlywed couple. In early American history a young, unmarried woman was set to the task of making several quilts for her dowry or hope chest, but she never started on her bridal quilt until she was officially engaged. It was considered bad luck.

The block is usually made of stylized roses with layered petals, rosebuds, stems and leaves in a wreath shape. Antique quilts are usually made in shades of pink and red on a white or off-white background. Modern examples can be any color combination the maker chooses. I have even seen a stunning one in bright primary colors on a black background. Maybe not for a bride, but I wouldn’t say no to it.

The bride-to-be often chose a Rose of Sharon design for her wedding quilt to show off her needlework skills. Because of the time and effort required to make a Rose of Sharon quilt, it was only used on special occasions so a lot of them have survived through the ages as cherished family heirlooms or have been donated to museums. Lucky, indeed, is the bride who receives one of these quilts on the occasion of her wedding.