Ceiling rose

Chandelier and ceiling rose, Glynllifon

In the United Kingdom and Australia, a ceiling rose is a decorative element affixed to the ceiling from which a chandelier or light fitting is often suspended. They are typically round in shape and display a variety of ornamental designs.

In modern British wiring setups, light fittings usually use loop-in ceiling roses,^{[1] [2]}which also include the functionality of a junction box.

Etymology

The rose has symbolised secrecy since Roman times, due to a confused association with the Egyptian god Horus.^[3] For its associations with ceilings and confidentiality, refer to the Scottish Government's Sub Rosa initiative.^[4] Through its promise of secrecy, the rose, suspended above a meeting table, symbolises the freedom to speak plainly without repercussion. The physical carving of a rose on a ceiling was used for this purpose during the rule of England's Tudor King Henry VIII and has over the centuries evolved into a standard item of domestic vernacular architecture, to such an extent that it now constitutes a term for the aforementioned circular device that conceals and comprises the wiring box for an overhead light fitting.

See also

• Sub rosa

References

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