Monday, May 14, 2012

Symbolism in the Passion Flower


In my flower garden grows a volunteer vine with the most amazing bloom.... the Passion Flower. I often use the term "volunteer" for plants that like to pop-up in the walkways and other surprising places, without any help from me.


The story goes that the name was derived from the Christian crucifixion story. The 10 petals represent the disciples of Jesus, excluding Peter and Judas, The five stamens represent the wounds Jesus received while on the cross, and the knob-like stigmas are the nail heads. The fringe is the crown of thorns he wore. If you will click on the photo, you will see the amazing details of the flower.

If you are not familiar with this flower, click on Passion Flower. This is a wonderful website that gives so much information about Texas Wildflowers. You will not be disappointed with the photos and range of information.

Meggie Mac



21 comments:

  1. What a unique looking flower! Gorgeous shots, Meggie!

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    1. The details are incrediable...and to think, it just shows up in my flower gardens every year.

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  2. I love that you give us a peek at the wildflowers that grow in your area. The Passion flowers is so unique and I've always stood in awe of its beauty--Mother Nature really knows how to WOW us!! XOXO

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    1. Thank you Susan....I have so many flowers to write about...I failed to say, this one grows in different colors. Purple is my favorite!

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  3. I had never seen this flower until just a few years ago-it is amazing!

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    1. When you move, you can buy one at the garden center. Once you have one, it will re-seed itself.

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  4. My friend Betty used to pick the BEST passionflower in her garden and store it in her freezer in a Tupperware box. At Christmas she would take it out and put it on a plain white iced cake, explain the symbolism and remind her guests that Jesus was born to die as our Saviour!
    The flower would only last for a day once thawed- but I thought it was a fabulous thing to do

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  5. In London, my friend Betty always kept the best flower in a Tupperware box in the freezer. On Christmas day, she'd put it onto a plain white iced cake- and explain the symbolism to her guests and remind them that Jesus was born to die as our Saviour.
    the defrosted flower only lasted a day- but I thought it was a great idea

    blessings xx

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  6. Replies
    1. Thank you Scarlet....I'm so glad to hear from you.

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  7. Lovely flower. Here in Sweden we can buy small plants that we have indoor.

    Hugs
    Elna

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    1. Hi Elna....you know, they are also grown in red!

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  8. What a strange little flower. It's really interesting about the interpretations that were assigned to it.

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    1. Ms Sparrow...you should see it growing on a fence with dozens and dozens of flowers.

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  9. Seeing this flower took me back in time...almost 50 years back in time, to when I first saw a passion flower (it was purple) and was told about the symbolism. I haven't seen another one until today. The shape and details are amazing. Lucky you!

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    1. Hello Elaine...I am so lucky to be living in flower heaven. Our long warm (hot) summers give me the opputunity to grow so many plants.

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  10. The Passion Flower is so amazing and also very unusual. Great photos!

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