adverb:
1. Secretly; privately; confidentially.
adjective:
1. Designed to be secret or confidential; secretive; private.
Sub rosa comes from the Latin, literally "under the rose," from the ancient association of the rose with confidentiality, the origin of which traces to a famous story in which Cupid gave Harpocrates, the god of silence, a rose to bribe him not to betray the confidence of Venus. Hence the ceilings of Roman banquet-rooms were decorated with roses to remind guests that what was spoken sub vino (under the influence of wine) was also sub rosa.
What an interesting story. And, I guess in vino veritas. Not that I really go for those shenanigans, though I do like it when a buddy tells me something when they are under the influence. And I do keep it to myself. I like keeping secrets and being a friend's confidant.
I find it harder to "confess" things to my friends though. Probably why this blog is in existence. A bit like a one way valve, a lot of information goes into my head and not a lot comes out. Confidentiality is an important part of my job. And why people can tell me about their personal relationships at work and things they don't tell their own friends and family.
I'm very privileged to have the job I do.
