It was when there was a white rose with a Yorkshire emoji.

Yorkshire's white roses are symbols of peace, pride and heritage, uniting the nation with celebrations, memories and quiet rebellion every Yorkshire day. Many of us here in Yorkshire believe it's time to come together to call out our own emoji, the Yorkshire White Rose emoji. So, on the eve of the fifth anniversary of Yorkshire Bylines launch, will you sign this petition a white rose emoji?

A timeless coat of arms of peace, memory and local pride, the white Yorkshire roses have deep roots in medieval England. It symbolizes centuries of history, identity, and Yorkshire's lasting spirit.

The origin of the white rose

Dutch rose historian Monique Neuetten suggests that medieval paintings, tapestries and portraits often portray Alba Rosa Semiplena, one of the oldest roses grown in the Western world, as the inspiration behind the white roses in the coat of arms. They have long been associated with innocence and purity, and are symbols of peace.

On August 1st, Yorkshire Day was celebrated in Yorkshires all over the world.

But where did the idea of ​​wearing a white rose come from?

From medieval conflicts to sports competition

There are two sources. The first is the original White Rose tradition of York, adopted by serial nobles and monarchs from the Plantagenet House of York of York. After the Battle of Bosworth and the death of Richard III (now considered the last true Northern King), King Henry VII – Lancastrians helped secure the Tudor dynasty by combining Lancaster's red roses and York's white roses with the familiar Tudor Roses.

But thanks to the brilliant playwright and propagandist William Shakespeare, the sleazy barons of the 15th century were appealing to the war of roses. In a row, Yorkshire White Roses and Lancashire Red Roses have become prideful symbols of (usually) friendly sports rivalry.

Minden, and memory gestures

But there is another tradition. The white rose is also said to have been worn by the king's Yorkshire Light infantry soldiers after the Battle of Minden on August 1, 1759. Each soldier is thought to secure white roses to commemorate the fallen comrade, and to commemorate the now Yorkshire Rose, it is believed to create a powerful symbol of peace and savior rather than a military attack.

Regiment and Community Roses

Aptly, Yorkshire White Roses are a proud symbol of the Yorkshire Regiment based in Catalic as part of their regiment badge, which is prominently characterized by roses under the heraldic British lion. It also serves as the Yorkshire Association's logo now.

The blue and white Yorkshire flag history is more recent, but less important. The flag itself, featuring a Yorkshire white rose on a bright or pale blue background, was designed in the 1960s, but was not adopted until 1975, when the flag was used to protect Yorkshire's name and identity, and the flag was used to protect the 1974 conflicting Yorkshire Riding flag.

Thanks to the Yorkshire Riding Association, August 1 is recognized as Yorkshire Day throughout Yorkshire's “Rich County.” The event is now managed by the Yorkshire Association as an annual celebration in various parts of Yorkshire, and celebrates everything that makes the area very special and unique.

Yorkshire's most beloved symbols deserve emojis

On July 29, 2008, the Yorkshire flag was officially registered by the British Flag Institute. It has since been the official Yorkshire flag. Like Union Jack and St. George's red and white cross, it can always be displayed legally in public places. You can see it anywhere, not just on Yorkshire Days, but all year round.

Importantly, a recent poll conducted in the area by Hull University recognized the White Rose as the most meaningful and respected symbol of Yorkshire's identity. For the people of that county, and indeed Yorkshire people around the world, it remains a proud symbol of history, culture and community.

So now, more than ever, I think we deserve to have our own Yorkshire White Rose emoji. And to get this, we need to demonstrate the demand of the public… in ample time for Yorkshire Day on August 1st.

Sign our petition!