By Jacqueline Kelly –
Flowers have a charm of their own which pleases all irrespective of age, sex and nature. Flowers play an important role in influencing the mood and behaviour of a person. Even if a person is in a bad mood, a bunch of flowers or a single flower will make the person smile. Flowers mean different things to different people. The pleasure we derive from flowers comes from the visual and olfactory aspects. Men and women experience flowers differently. Flowers succeed where words so often fail.
The word “flower” is derived from the old French word flor or flour which comes from the Latin word flos or flor. In modern French, the word for “flower” is “fleur”.
The German word for “flower” is Blume, which is pronounced as the English word “bloom”.
The old English word for “flower” was blōstma, which evolved into blossom. So, we can say “flower”, “blossom” or “bloom”.
In the Old Testament, flowers were used as Spiritual symbols. In Christianity, flowers and plants are perceived as God’s creation. Adam was the first gardener as mentioned in the Bible. [Genesis 2:15]
On the third day [Genesis 1:11] God created the plants and trees. God created the flowers to bring beauty to the earth and pleasure to mankind. Each flower is unique and has a meaning and significance of its own. The tradition of gifting flowers has a long history.
The Bible mentions flowers as symbols of beauty and life.
[1Kings 6:18] describes how the First Temple was decorated with flowers. The Temple was considered the most Holy place on earth.
[Matthew 6:28-29] compares the care God shows in providing for the lilies with the care God shows in providing for His people. God also provides in abundance for those who have faith in Him. [Luke 12:27]
Flowers are also known for their short life and delicate nature. The short life of a flower is compared to man’s lifespan on earth in [Job 14:2; Psalm 103:15-16; Isaiah 40:6]
God created a woman from the rib of a man and likens their sweet love for each other to that of the fragrance of flowers. [Song of Songs 2:12; 4:16; 6:2]
When the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, reached Florida, it was in spring [1513], a few days before Easter. He claimed the land for Spain and named it after the Easter holiday- Pascua de Florida. The meaning of Florida is “flowery” and was used to distinguish the springtime holiday from other holidays.
The Spanish word Pascua was used to refer to any major holiday but in modern Spanish the word Pascua is used only for Easter.
In Spain, the Poinsettia is known as “Flor de Pascua” meaning “Easter Flower”.
Some of the symbolic Easter Flowers are as follows:
Easter Lily
The Easter Lily is referred to as “the white-robed Apostle of Hope”. Its white colour is said to represent Christ’s purity.
Easter Lilies are popular in spring and symbolize new life. They have gorgeous fragrant white trumpet flowers and dark green leaves. The Trumpet shape of the Easter Lily represents a trumpet sounding the message that Christ has risen and the nature in which it grows from a single bulb is symbolic of Christ’s resurrection from the tomb.
When Eve left the Garden of Eden she shed real tears of repentance and from those remorseful tears sprung up lilies. Traditionally, Easter Lilies are arranged in Churches, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is said that beautiful white lilies sprang up in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus wept in the last hours before He was betrayed by Judas.
No flower symbolizes Easter as richly as the lily does. Jesus’ favourite flower was the Lily.
Scarlet Passion Flower
It is the ultimate symbol of the crucifixion of Our Lord. The central column of this flower represents the pillar to which Christ was bound for the scourging. The tendrils of the plant represent the whips and cords, the ovary is shaped like the hammer used to drive the nails, while the three styles and stigmas [female parts of the flower] resembles the three nails that were used to fasten Him to the Cross. The five stamens [male part of the flower] represent the five wounds made by the nails and spear that Jesus received in the hands, feet and side. The corona [structure at the base just above the petals] within the flower is symbolic of the crown of thorns, the rays of the fringe forming a nimbus which represents the Lord’s divine glory. The ten red petals are thought to represent ten of the disciples who forsook the Lord and fled with the exclusion of Judas[who betrayed the Lord] and John who followed Jesus right to Golgotha and stood at the foot of the Cross. The leaf of the plant is shaped like the head of the spear which pierced the heart of Christ. The tendrils of the vine represent the hands and whips of the enemies who tormented Jesus.
The flower is said to bloom only three days, the length of time, our Lord’s body lay in the tomb.
The Redbud [Judas Tree]
The Mediterranean species is associated with the hanging of Judas Iscariot. According to legend, before the crucifixion, the blossoms of the redbud were snow white. They turn red in spring as a result of the blushing from shame as Judas chose this tree from which to hang himself. The Judas tree is another name for Redbud. It is easy to recognize because of its heart shaped leaves.
Flowering Dogwood
According to legend, dogwoods once grew as very large trees and were used to make the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. One account is that Jesus recognized the dogwood suffering from being used for such a purpose and declared that the tree would henceforth have small, crooked branches so that it could not be used in that manner again.
Another symbolic feature is the white leaf-like part of the plant shaped like a Cross with a brownish red spot in the centre of each that represents Jesus’ blood. The cluster of tiny flowers in the centre looks like a Crown of Thorns.
The Crucifix Orchid
It is derived from the shape of the labellum [lip of the flower] which resembles a small gold cross. This South American plant was given religious significance by the Christian Missionaries . The orchid has long, thin stems and leathery leaves with flowers that bloom in clusters of orange. They are given as gifts during Easter. They traditionally symbolize beauty, tolerance and strength.
Crown of Thorns [Euphorbia Milii]
It is also called Christ Thorn. It refers to the thorny crown Jesus was forced to wear during His crucifixion, with the red leaf-like part of the flowers representing His Blood. It was thought to have been the thorny burnet in the Rose family. It is found throughout Jerusalem and in other regions of the Mediterranean. Its branches bend easily and it develops branching thorns at the end of the canopy.
Daffodils
They are bright yellow and a spring blooming flower that is commonly associated with Easter. Giving daffodils at Easter time is a tradition throughout Europe. Daffodils symbolize spring, rebirth and a new beginning.
Rose
From the Biblical view point, “God designed the beauty of the rose and put the thorns for its protection.” All roses symbolize God’s love but different colours of roses also symbolize different spiritual concepts.
By the 12th century, the red rose had come to represent Christ’s Passion and the Blood of the martyrs. The most common association of the rose is with the Virgin Mary.
The five petals of a rose are said to stand for the five wounds of Christ.
Lenten Rose blooms in late winter and early spring and symbolizes the season of Lent, the period of preparation and rebirth leading to Easter.
Dianthus [Carnations]
Dianthus flowers are also called “Pinks”. The Carnation is scientifically known as Dianthus Caryophyllus , the “Flower of love” or “Flower of God”. Pinks hold a deep Christian significance. They were associated with the nails used in the crucifixion. According to Christian tradition, the first Carnation bloomed on Earth when Mother Mary wept for Jesus as He carried His Cross. It has been revered for centuries.
Tulips
They are a favourite in spring. In decorating they are prized for their beauty and long lasting flowers. They symbolize love and forgiveness. The Purple colour represents royalty, so a bouquet of purple tulips would celebrate the royalty of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Daffodils, Lilies and Tulips have become a symbol of the Resurrection throughout the Christian world. They symbolize renewal of life and a festival of new hope.
Daisies
Daisy is a rosette perennial herb with white to purple flowers. Daisies have a special significance for Easter celebrations. Gerbera Daisies are bold and bright, a decorating delight. It blooms in Spring.
Sweet-smelling daisies symbolize purity and happiness. Two qualities highlighted by the Spirit of Easter.
Pine Trees
They begin growing in the spring and the new growth can appear in the form of a Crucifix or Cross. It blooms in late March to early April. The species of Pine trees reported in producing shoots in the form of Crosses include the Loblolly and Ponderosa Pines.
The Larkspur
According to legend, once there was a beautiful garden where Jesus loved to walk. There lovely flowers bloomed and little animals lived. There came a time, when Jesus did not come to the garden. All His little friends missed Him, and in particular the little rabbit was very lonely. He waited day and night for the return of the Master.
Early on the third day Christ came and as He walked into the sunshine, he gave the little bunny a loving smile. Later, when Jesus’ friends came to the garden to pray, they found a path of lovely flowers. These flowers were larkspurs and to this day one may see in the centre of each blossom an image of the little bunny who waited three days and three nights to greet the Risen Lord!
The Violet
According to a Christian legend, on that fine Easter morning, the world was bathed in sunlight as the Master strolled in the countryside. As He walked past, every flower strove to show itself to best advantage. But one little violet tried in vain to see the Lord.
As He came closer, the violet thought, “If only I could be as tall and bright as the other flowers, He might notice me.”
When our Saviour reached the violet, He paused and smiled. Overwhelmed, the violet blushed and bowed its head. And to this day all violets bow their faces towards the earth remembering that meeting with the Son of God.
The Easter Cactus [Whitsun Cactus]
It is also called Holiday Cactus or Spring Cactus and has flowers in red, orange, pink and white. This plant blooms in the spring.
Some of the other springtime flowers associated with Easter are the Lotus, Azalea, Iris, Hyacinth, Crocus and the Palm Fronds. The Palm has significance at Easter time. Palm fronds were placed in front of Jesus’ donkey when He entered Jerusalem. Palm fronds were also used for many victorious rulers in Biblical days.