In western culture, for instance, it is believed that the rose was created by Aphrodite, the Roman goddess of love. Wealthy Romans used to pamper their body by soaking in water with rose petals. Eastern culture also ties roses with romance dating back 5,000 years ago when garden cultivation of roses took place in China. Another tale from the ancient Arabs tells the story of a nightingale who fell so intensely in love with a white rose that he pressed its body to it. A thorn from the rose pierced its heart and the flower turned red from its blood.