NOVELTY - The device (100) has a first device adapted to grip a root portion (24) of a rotor blade (22). A second device is adapted to support an outer portion of the rotor blade. The second device is adapted to grip the outer portion of the rotor blade. One of the first device and the second device includes a hydraulic mechanism for gripping the rotor blade. A spreader (170) is connected with the first device and the second device. One of the first device and the second device includes a rigid arm for supporting the rotor blade and an adjustable clamping arm for clamping the rotor blade.    USE - Blade holding device for a lifting system (claimed) e.g. track-bound cranes and lorry cranes or cranes on marine vessels, for holding and handling a rotor blade of a wind turbine.    ADVANTAGE - The device ensures that weight of the rotor blade and downward pull of gravity toward an earth's surface creates clamping force to allow the rotor blade to be clamped or fixed safely and securely, so that that rotor blade is not loosen even in strong winds. The roll or slipping mechanism enables the rotor blade to be rotated around a longitudinal axis in the blade holding device to minimize wind attack surface to stabilize the rotor blade in the blade holding device, thus ensuring safe assembly and dis-assembly of rotor blades even at higher wind speeds or wind gusts. The device rotates the rotor blade, so that a center of gravity of the rotor blade and a center of gravity of the blade holding device are aligned vertically, thus warranting controlled handling of wind turbine rotor blades even at higher wind speeds. The transport fixtures secure the rotor blade to a transport vehicle to minimize risk of damaging the rotor blade during transport to a site of installation.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a lifting system    (2) a method for handling the rotor blade of a wind turbine.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of a rotor blade and a blade holding device.    Rotor blade (22)    Root portion (24)    Blade holding device (100)    Spreader (170)    Hoisting device (190)