BLACK ROSE

          The Black Rose is part of the Texas Society Order of Confederate Rose. The purpose of the Black Rose is to participate in Memorial, Marker Dedications and Graveside Services. In the 1860’s widows would dress in all black attire, also known as “Widow Weeds” during a period of mourning. The ladies who supported the widow (her friends) at the funeral would also be dressed in black.  The ladies wore black because they did not want to attract attention to themselves.

            As members of the Black Rose we portray the widow and her friends.  We dress in “Widow Weeds” and assist the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy with their Memorial, Marker Dedications and Graveside Services. We pay our respect with a small service which includes laying flowers, sprinkling rose petals or placing a wreath on the gravesite. 

            The requirements to be a member of the Black Rose are:

1.     Be a member of the TSOCR in good standing.

2.     Have the proper 1860’s style clothing.  Consisting of the following:

a.  Black dress or black skirt and blouse.

b.  Black hat with mourning veil.

c.  Black gloves.

d.  Black cape, shawl or jacket if worn

e.  No jewelry except jet black earrings, a brooch, or a wedding ring.

3.     There are no membership fees for the Black Rose.

The picture of the lady at the top of this page is a lady in “Widow Weeds”.  The picture was taken from the book, “Who wore what?” by Juanita Leisch

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