A Rose On The High Tower

Ever heard of the world's highest rose garden? No, it's not a magical floating garden in a fairy tale. It's right here on Earth, perched atop a tower in the heart of Iran. Welcome to the Tower of Silence, where roses bloom at a whopping 3,937 meters above sea level!

Now, you might be thinking, "Roses on a tower? Isn't that a bit... high maintenance?" Well, yes, it is. But that's what makes it so darn fascinating. This isn't just any tower, it's a Zoroastrian Dakhma, a sacred place of rest for the deceased. And yes, you read that right. Roses bloom on top of a tower of silence. Talk about a unique gardening challenge!

Roses That Defy Gravity

Imagine this: a tower so tall, it's like a giant thumb sticking out of the Earth. And on top of it, a garden filled with roses, swaying gently in the thin mountain air. Sounds like a scene from a fantasy novel, right? But it's real. The roses up there are no ordinary roses. They're Mountain Roses, hardy little flowers that can survive the harsh, cold winds and thin air.

But here's where it gets even more intriguing. These roses aren't just growing wild. They're cultivated. Yes, you heard it right. Someone, somewhere, is climbing up this tower to tend to these roses. Now, that's what I call a dedicated gardener!

Who's the Gardener in the Sky?

So, who's this mystery gardener? Well, it's not a secret society or a magical being. It's actually the local Zoroastrian community. They believe that the souls of the deceased need to be purified before they can move on. And these roses play a big part in that process. The sweet scent of the roses is believed to help soothe the souls, guiding them towards their next journey.

Does living on a high floor of a tower apartment disrupt the autonomic

Now, you might be wondering, "How do they get up there?" Well, it's not as dramatic as you might think. There's actually a staircase leading up to the tower. But it's not an easy climb, especially with a bag full of gardening tools. It's a steep, winding path, with the tower looming large above you. It's like a real-life game of 'Up, Up, Up'!

Roses and Rituals

But the roses aren't just there for their scent. They also play a role in the rituals performed at the tower. After a death, the body is placed on the tower to be exposed to the elements and the birds. The roses, with their sharp thorns, help protect the body from scavengers. It's a harsh but necessary part of the Zoroastrian funeral rite, known as exposure.

A Rose on the High Tower EX Stage Clear Guide | Lion HMS UR Event

Once the body has been reduced to bones, the bones are collected and placed in a bone house at the base of the tower. The roses, meanwhile, continue to bloom, their cycle of life and death a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and death we all go through.

Visiting the Roses in the Sky

So, if you ever find yourself in Iran, and you're up for a challenge, consider visiting the Tower of Silence. It's a sobering, thought-provoking place, but also a fascinating one. Just remember to bring your hiking boots. And maybe a bouquet of roses, as a gift for the gardener in the sky.

But hey, don't just take my word for it. Go check it out yourself. Who knows, you might just find a new perspective on life, death, and the roses that bloom between them.