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Home , Christian symbolism, Language of flowers

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ProEnvironment

ProEnvironment 8 (2015) 73 - 79

A Review

Sacred Connection of Ornamental Flowers with Religious Symbols

HUSTI Anca, Maria CANTOR*

Faculty of Horticulture. University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj – Napoca, Mănăştur St., No. 3 – 5, 400327 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Received 3 March 2015; received and revised form 9 March 2015; accepted 12 March 2015 Available online 29 March 2015

Abstract

For centuries humans have searched in , the cornerstone of the Christian religion, spiritual guidance and healing, but few have realized that the Bible contains many references to flowers, as an evidence and a perpetual reminder that the plants were left on this earth by God for people. Since the beginning of the world the Holy Bible relate that between humans and nature is a perfect synergy. In most religions plants played an important role, inspired architects, until today churches and religion artifacts are made with shapes and drawings designs of plants. The Bible is one of the largest areas where plants have taken a religious spiritual symbolic role. Flowers became common in religious and ceremonial uses for Christians by the fourth century, being used for weddings, funerals, decorations, various occasions, holydays and even cut. Such flowers are: Passion Flower, Roses, Lily, Cyclamen, Pansy, Ivy etc. Flowers, in the have different archetypal symbols, reminding of what did and His promises. Keywords: flowers, Christian symbols, religious significance, use.

Plant world profoundly affected people's 1. Introduction intellectual and spiritual sphere. Many are indeed herbaceous and woody species which are assigned Since ancient times people afraid of their important symbolic meanings and values, especially weakness and inability in front of nature, they felt in religious sector. Otherwise the plant world was that everywhere are factors which are influencing always a source of inspiration in the areas of poetry, the better or worse, good and evil, spirits acting fiction, and music to visual arts. positively or negatively the trajectory of planets, of Natures has always exercised a great human life, spirits who dwell in the air or on land, fascination on people, stimulating fantasy and flowers, creatures and even objects. imagination, stir the emotions and feelings of In an attempt to find an answer to many admiration, wonder, fear, reverence and awe/ questions unanswered, people have attributed a veneration and suggested similarities between mystical-religious symbolic meaning to natural biological cycles of plants, natural phenomena and phenomena, flowers, animals, objects, all with vicissitudes of life and animals. Then, were magical meanings, each playing a specific role in developed and advanced deep relationship between this cosmic drama. the plant world and human culture to assign symbolic values and meanings to many different * Corresponding author. Tel: +40-264-596384 species of plants, especially in religious sector in the Fax: +40-264-593792 early days of various civilizations. For example, e-mail: [email protected] there are over 190 species of plants which are

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assigned myths, symbols and legends. Trees because plants in the is Phoenix dactylifera of their large and imposing stature, were attributed especially plant branches. This plant has become an cosmic significance, became the most representative important part of the Christian celebration of Jesus' symbols of the growth cycle, unbroken succession triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It also became an of seasons (as in life), death and of important symbol in the Christian holiday nature [1]. For Celts, tree symbolized mystical [3]. Passionflower is used especially to represent connection between earth, heaven and hell. Apart Christ's suffering and sacrifice, and each part of the from the oak – the sacred of gods, are assigned flower represents a different aspect of the Passion of individual symbolism also for other trees (beech, Christ. Passionflower is generally a symbol of Jesus' yew, fig etc.). scourging, the culmination with thorns, and In fact, in most cultures, trees are symbols crucifixion. The spiraled tendrils symbolize the lash that include spiritual unity, indestructible link of Christ’s scourging. The central flower column is between the world of the gods, heaven and the a symbol of the pillar of the Scourging. Crown of source of life - earth. Cosmic meanings assigned to thorns is symbolized by the 72 radial filaments. The them, symbolizing “Axus Mundi”, namely the three nails are represented by the top three stigmas World Axis, or known as the Tree of Life, which of the flower. The lower five anthers symbolize the connects the three worlds: the roots - the realm of five wounds. The stains represent Christ’s blood death and darkness, through the branches, leaves, drops. The round fruit represents the world Christ flowers and fruits - with earthly world and its came to save. The Fragrance symbolizes the spices relationship with the gods, Heaven or Nirvana - prepared by the Holy women. This flower gives promises of all things [1]. specific reasons and visualizations to the Christian In mythology, beliefs of all peoples, tree faith. It provides a visual meaning to the teachings occupies an important place from birth to death and of story and the eras where there were no even thereafter. Sense of sacredness of trees, printed catechisms. The passion flower has a common to ancient peoples, slowly disappeared, number of symbols found in flowers individually mainly due to spreading scientific knowledge and other religions and traditions [3]. Christian domination of monotheistic religions, leading thus symbolism in art presents an accurate graphical to the disappearance of religious sentiments attached representation describing people or objects of to trees and plants. But still, the secular culture, religious significance. Ornamental flowers and events have their sacred continuity; see offering plants as Christian symbols represent: flowers to the dead, floral decoration in churches The Holy : Flowers which are and cypress trees to surround cemeteries use [1]. separated into three parts; and leaves, are symbols of the mystery of the Trinity: Father, Son 2. Discussion and the . Three petals that compose a flower are associated with the Father, Son and Holy From the to our modern era, Spirit, but absolute metaphor for the trinity is flowers were often used by religions as powerful Trifolium repens. What creates a unit is each section spiritual symbols. Such applications include their taken as an entity. Aquilegia spp., a multi- use in the five major world religions: , segmented flower is known as the characteristic of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and the religions of the Holy Spirit. China [2]. Another flower that has often been associated Plants and trees symbolize a Christian with the Holy Spirit is Strelitzia reginae (Bird of symbol or an , but can also be figures, Paradise) especially because of its similarity with characters or colors used to represent abstract ideas, the bird. The Holy Spirit is also symbolized by concepts or images depicting an idea. These and lilies with three petals, symbolize religious as Christian symbols have a sacred the Trinity and triple virtues of justice, charity and significance. Flowers and plants perceive hope. Christianity as God's creation to express and share Virgin Mary, Mother of God: Lilium with the people divine goodness, truth and beauty- candidum is the quintessential flower that represents the aim of Creation. innocence, virtue and purity. White lily was The Bible is one of the largest areas where associated with the Virgin Mary since the early plants have taken a religious spiritual symbolic role. Christianity, a seeming legend from the second In , flowers were once connected century, narrates that her grave was decorated with with decadence. In the , Christians have lilies after her Assumption into heaven. The petals appreciated the beauty of nature and regarded this as of white lilies symbolize purity, virginity, bright and proof that God created the world. One of the first radiant of Virgin Mary. For centuries, painters

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have frequently shown a Virgin Mary around the mystic lily flower, over time Lilium became a Christian symbol of purity. This devotional painting determined illustrating other scenes of the Virgin Mary with Jesus, or with , also in gardens with lilies and other flowers (Fig. 2). Multitude of legends about roses, considered the "queen of flowers", symbolizing the Virgin Mary, took amplitude in the 12th century. For example, it says that when the Virgin Mary was announced by the Archangel Gabriel that she would become the mother of Jesus, Son of God, she blushed and Rosa Alba became pink. Protected by thorns, rose is a beautiful flower, representing beauty, secrets, life, blood, death and rebirth. Moreover, the rose is a messenger of divine and pure love, expressiveness, , perfect shape and scent denotes the thorns role of Virgin. Mary in salvation history as the Mother of God, who agreed to be crowned with thorns, and shed His blood on the for His love for mankind. When in a flower arrangement a red rose and a one white are side by side, symbolizes the crucifixion and Figure 2. Stephan Lochner - in the Christ. Rose Bower [18] In the fourteenth century the poet Dante called Mary "the Rose, in which the divine Word Flowers became common in religious and became flesh....” Many artists of the fifteenth ceremonial uses for Christians by the fourth century, century painted Mary with roses, often in a rose being used for weddings, name day, funerals, church garden (Fig. 1) [15]. decorations, different occasions, holydays and even In Christianity flowers have a special place cut [4]. because remind of what Jesus did and the promises The religious significance of flowers in that he made. is: Anemone Fam. Ranunculaceae Latin name: Anemone x hybrida Common name: Windflowers, Anemone Reference: Matthew 5:1-2, 7:28, 6:25-34, 10:5-20 These flowers are found as described in the crucifixion scenes and have been associated with the sorrow of Virgin Mary, for the Passion of Christ, with death and worry. Anemones occurred on Golgotha where Jesus was to be crucified, so red spots on petals symbolize the bloodshed by Christ. At the beginning of the Church, anemones were used to symbolize the Holy Trinity [5]. Iris Fam. Iridaceae Latin name: Iris Lazica Common name: Bearded Iris Reference: Exodus 2:3, Matthew 6:28, 6: 29, Luke 2:35, 1 Kings 7:22 Iris is found in the works of Flemish masters, as a , often called a rival of lily the flower of Virgin Mary. Iris appears in their Figure 1. Martin Schongauer - The Annunciation [17] paintings together with lily or replacing it. The

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symbolism of this flower comes from the fact of its Common name: Ivy sharp leaves as sword, was taken as an allusion that Reference: 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Maccabees could riddle the soul of Virgin Mary and cause pain 14:33, 2 Maccabees 6:7, 3 Maccabees 2:29 due to Christ's Passion [6]. Spanish painters Ivy was always symbolically associated with adopted iris as an attribute of Mary, the Queen of death and immortality. Because it is all the time Heaven, symbol, of faith, hope, light, divine has always been a symbol of eternal life and protection, wisdom and value. fidelity. The strong strain header cling to support, Daisy thus, the plant typifies immortal attachment and Fam. Asteraceae affection [9]. Latin Name: Chrysanthemum Carnation leucanthemum Family: Caryophyllaceae Common name: Daisy Latin name: Dianthus caryophyllus Reference: Romans 3:27, 3:28 Common name: Carnation, Nail Flowers Daisies, flowers with an amazing simplicity, References: Psalm 118:24 were used in paintings in the late 15th These flowers remind of nails with which century, the symbolism of which is associated with Jesus was crucified [10]. Red Carnation is is the Jesus’ innocence and candor [7]. These associated with pure love, dedication and marital flowers are associated with innocence, beauty, faithfulness. Christian legends assert that pink salvation, modesty, purity and love. Daisies carnation appeared when Jesus Christ carried his represent also tears, blood, fear, death and cross on the path of pain. Virgin Mary grieved the perseverance. torment of his son, crying, and from her tears that Passiflora fell on earth sprang the first carnations. Fam. Passifloraceae Columbine Latin name: Passiflora incarnata Family: Ranunculaceae Common name: Passion Flower, Passionvine Latin name: Aquilegia vulgaris The flower is associated with the passion and Common name: Columbine the emblem of Jesus, flower known under different Reference: Isaiah 11:2 names such as Christ’s crown, Christ’s thorn or The name comes from the Latin word Christ’s bouquet. Due to the way of growth of this columba, which means dove. Also, this flower is plant, it can be said that Passiflora need support, compared with a dove, and, therefore, Columbine similar to how Christians need divine assistance. was used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Seven The plant grows easily back if it is cut, the same as flowers on a stem symbolically represent the seven those who have in their hearts the love of God to gifts of the Holy Spirit. Aquilegia is assigned with overcome evil in this world [8]. melancholy and suffering [6]. Hyacinth Red Rose Fam. Asparagaceae Family: Rosaceae Latin Name: Hyacinthus Latin name: Rosa Common name: Hyacinth Common name: Red rose Reference: Revelation 9:17, Song of Reference: Song of Solomon 2:1, Proverbs Solomon 5:14 27:2, Hebrews 13:8, Isaiah 35:1 Hyacinth is considered as a symbol of Red rose is supposed to have been born of the Christian prudence, constancy, desire of heaven and and thereby is a sign of charity, peace of mind [5]. martyrdom, and resurrection. Red rose is linked Hyssop with blood lost by Jesus when He was crucified on Family: Lamiaceae the cross and the Holy Grail - the vessel in which Latin Name: Hyssopus officinalis Joseph from Arimathea collected the blood of Common name: Hyssop Christ. Related to this sacrifice of bloodshed, the Reference: John 19:29-30, John 19:29, rose becomes the symbol of mystical rebirth. Thus Leviticus 14:52, Leviticus 14:4, 1 Kings 4:33 Mircea Eliade says that "human life must be Because this plant grows among rocks in consumed completely as to exhaust all the solitary places, and humility is assigned as possibilities of creation and manifestation. Even symbol. Hyacinth has purgative qualities, for which abruptly interrupted by a violent death, she seeks to symbolizes innocence therefore . continue in a new form - plant, flower, and fruit Ivy “[16]. The name of Rosary (latin name Rosarium), Family: Araliaceae which are strung beads used to keep note of prayers, Latin Name: Hedera helix derived also from the word rose. In Christianity are

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known three sizes: the small Rosarium which This beautiful flower was dedicated to Virgin contains 33 small beads plus 5 large beads (meaning Mary. Red stains in the center of the flower the age of Jesus and the 5 wounds of his), middle symbolize the pain of Immaculate Heart of Virgin Rosary with 63 plus 7 (the age of Mary and the Mary. Cyclamen is sometimes called "bleeding seven joys and pain) and large Rosary with 150 nun"[5]. beads plus 15 (meaning the number of psalms). Mallow White Lily Family: Malvaceae Family: Liliaceae Latin name: Malvasylvestris Latin name: Lilium candidum Common name: Mallow Common name: White Lily Reference: Job 30:4, Job 6:6 Reference: Hosea 14:4-7, Song of Solomon Mallow leaves have a greater symbolic 2:1-2, 2 Chronicles 4:4-5, Song of Solomon 6:2, meaning than flowers, symbolizing in Christianity Matthew 6:28, lowly, 2Co 8:9 and in many other cultures, the desire for Lilium candidum or the white Madonna lily forgiveness. is the most recognized symbol for the Virgin Mary /daffodil (Ferguson, 1975). The white petals represent Mary’s Family: Amaryllidaceae flesh and the pollen covered stamens is her Latin name: Narcissus pseudonarcissus soul. According to Christian tradition lily was born Common name: Narcissus, daffodil from the tears of regret fallen of Eva when she left Reference: Romans 16:11, Isaiah 35:1 the Garden of Eden. In Christian , the The symbolism of this flower is traced back lily is more associated with the Virgin Mary and from the Greek myth of Narcissus, the beautiful with the Archangel Gabriel [6], being painted with a youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a lily in his hand whiles the Annunciation, river and drowned trying to embrace it. Narcissus symbolizing chastity. Joseph is also sometimes symbolizes self-love, selfishness and indifference painted with a bouquet of lilies bloom. Strain of lily [5]. After his death, the beautiful young were reborn symbolizes Mary religiosity; the leaves typify her in the shape of a flower. Narcissus is used to humility, white petals the virginity, and perfume of symbolize selfishness, the triumph of divine love, lily divinity. The flower becomes an attribute of all sin over death and sacrifice. Narcissus reflex the saints. In some paintings Jesus is represented as true sign of the coming spring, when daffodils judging the world with a lily in His mouth, in this appear, it is said that bad weather does not return case, the flower represents compassion, while a back for a few months, so it is really daffodil flower sword lily symbolizes innocence and guilt. that heralds spring. In large part, this symbol is White Rose linked with trumpet shaped flower which is also its Family: Rosaceae religious symbolism, the flower of the Resurrection. Latin name: Rosa Alba Moreover, the daffodil appears around the holidays Common name: White rose of Easter, always announcing the death and Reference: Corinthians resurrection of Jesus and calling people to church in Since the 11th century, the rose was also those days. It is an advertisement of judgment and accepted as a symbol of Christianity, later gaining a thereby is associated with a perpetual "memento new significance, largely due allegorical poem “The mori". How it was mentioned, Narcissus flower Divine Comedy” of Dante Aligheri. Rosa candida have a contradictory symbolism, a symbol of death, the white rose given by Beatrice to her beloved but in the same time a symbol of life [7], known lover, and Rosa mystica - white rose of the Virgin since ancient times. Mary [11], both from the third part "Paradise" (as Violet Hell and Purgatory) became a symbol of purity, Family: Violaceae innocence, and divine love [5], taken in religious Latin name: Viola papilionacea iconography. The mystic white rose of heaven, the Common name: Violet rose without thorns was a medieval symbol of Reference: 2 Samuel 13 virginity, purity, and devotion of Virgin Mary. In The violet is the emblem of humility [5], thus the middle Ages only virgins could wear the crown the phrase "shrinking violet". Because of the three of white roses being a symbol of innocence. characteristic leaves, medieval monks called violets Cyclamen as "flowers of Trinity". Also among the Christians Family: Myrsinaceae of those times was widespread belief that the violets Latin name: Cyclamen hederifolium were, until the day of Jesus' crucifixion, flowers that Common name: Cyclamen raised up their calyx with haughty to heaven, after Reference: Luke 12:27 the crucifixion, the shadow of the cross fell upon

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them, and the flowers bowed their “heads” as a sign nature, their colors attract, the widespread fragrance of embarrassment to the persecution that has refreshes every human being, and their fluorescence undergone Jesus. delights every soul. Flowers symbolize beauty and By extension, it refers to the Incarnation of positivity. Jesus Christ. In Christianity and art reflecting the The flowers have a specific meaning, a religion, violet is a symbol of modesty and symbolism that people unconsciously or consciously humbleness. In paintings of the , the respect it, but art communication through flowers is Virgin Mary holding the Jesus child in her arms, is different and sensitive. People give flowers to often depicted with flowers, signifying her express nonverbally both love, sense of respect or modesty but perhaps as the premonition about the friendship. Everyone knows that a red rose death of Jesus, as in the painting "Madonna and symbolizes love and it’s not recommended to send child with flowers" by Leonardo da Vinci. Another yellow roses to a person who is grieving or Lily is a artwork in which violets appear in the background is symbol of innocence but also of fertility, of spiritual "Madonna of humility" of the artist Giovanni Paolo love, of integrity and of hope, and White lily [12]. represent chastity, purity and dignity. is the Orchid flower of femininity. Latin name: Orchid spp. Because of its shape similar to a heart Fam. Orchidaceae signifies love. Anemones are the symbol of fragility, Common name: Orchid suitable for sensitive people. However, meanings These flowers represent the blood of Jesus are associated not only to this type of flower, but for Christ from the Gethsemane garden and [8]. all. Different flowers are different symbols. Each In one of the legends of early Christianity, it relates shade and each flavor has something to say. how a monk stole the hand of a statue depicting the It is important to know that almost all the Jesus child. flowers have religious significance. Science and While hiding the monk in the mountains, he religion do not contradict, but complement each lost the way and, before dying of exhaustion and other [12]. hunger, he buried the stolen treasure. The following year, in the place where the monk had hidden the precious object arouse an orchid, a flower whose References roots reproduce exactly a child's hands. Poinsettia: It is a symbol of purity. Flower is [1] Jurca S., 2007, Sărbători, Tradiţii, Ritualuri, Mituri, associated with faith, goodness and trust in people. Viena, 54. Other flowers used as religious symbol are: Aloe, Centaurea, Cephalaria, Chrysanthemum, Crocus, [2] Ridgeon L., 2003, Major World Religions: From their Dictamus, Ficus, Fern, Gladiolus, Lathyrus, Origins to the Present, RoutledgeCurzon, .

Lavandula, Philadelphus [13]. [3] Musselman L.J., Figs, Dates, Laurel, and Myrrh: Plants of the Bible and the Quran, Timber Press, Oregon, USA. 3. Conclusions [4] Dumas A., 2000, Book of Plants and Symbols, Flowers, sacred symbols serve as the Hachette, London, 57. evocation of the principles of faith, and faith history. Flowers are powerful tools for crystallization of [5] Maris G.A., 2005, Tree and Its Fruit, A Book about religious devotion and faithful, elements that help Symbolism, Ed.Lulu. [6] Jones T., L. Murray, P. Murray, the development and focus of faith. Also, flowers 2001, The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Art and are a form of communication that exceeds Architecture, Oxford University Press, United Kingdom. international barriers of language, nationality or [7] Ferguson G., 1975, Signs & Symbols in Christian Art, culture. From immemorial times flowers are bearing Oxford University Press, United Kingdom. symbols. The meanings, the have their origins in cultures of early civilization [8] Bavens N., A. Mayer, 2003, Divine Horticulture, Horticulture and later also in Christianity. Flowers are part of the 201: “The Art of Horticulture”, Cornell University. most important occasions in people lives. Flowers are constantly present at weddings, baptism, [9] Brewer E.C., 2001. The Wordsworth Dictionary of birthdays, funerals and important events [14], being Phrase and Fable, Wordsworth Editions Ltd. a piece of people feelings. Nature and revelation testify the love of God. [10] Hagen R.-M., R. Hagen, 2003, What Great Paintings Say, Volume 1, Taschen Gmbh, Koln. Flowers are some of the most beautiful creations of

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[11] Healey R., 2009, Italian Literature Before 1900 in [14] Seaton B., 1995, The Language of Flowers: A English Translation: An Annotated Bibliography 1928– History, University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville.

2008, University of Toronto Press, Toronto. [15]. ***, http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/ flowers.html.

[12] Bojor O., 2007, Plante şi miresme biblice, hrană [16]. ***, www.agerostuttgart.de/REVISTAAGERO/ pentru suflet şi trup, Fiat Lux, Bucuresti. ISTORIE/ trandafirii.

[13] Stana D., 2003, Plante din Biblie,Viata Crestina, [17]. www.musee-unterlinden.com. Cluj Napoca, 12. [18]. www.paintinghere.com.

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