The symbolism of the Lutheran rose goes back to 1520s. Luther explained that the black cross in the center of the red heart should remind us that the righteous live by faith in Christ.  The heart lies on a white rose to show that faith gives comfort, joy and peace.  The rose is white to represent the color of the heavenly spirits and angels.  The rose stands in a field of blue, the color of heaven. Surrounding the sky blue field is a gold ring to show that happiness and joy in heaven has no end but lasts forever, just as gold is the highest and most noble metal.