The passion flower plays a special role in the history of Christianity. You can find out what meaning it holds in this article.
What is the meaning of passion flower?
The meaning of the passion flower lies in its symbolism for the suffering of Jesus Christ. Elements such as the petals, styles and shoots represent apostles, cross nails and scourges. In addition, passionflower has a calming effect as a medicinal plant.
Where does the name passionflower come from?
The name “passion flower” probably comes fromChristian missionaries who came to South America in the 16th century, where the plant is mainly widespread. They believed that they recognized elements from the passion of Jesus Christ in the extraordinary appearance of the passion flower. This is how the species-rich genus was given the name suffering flower after the biblical story of the Passion.
What is the meaning of the passion flower?
The Christian immigrants recognized severalreligious symbols of the Passion of Christ in the striking flowers of the passion flower. and symbolized different parts of the flower, their shapes and colors in the sense of the Bible.
How were the individual parts of the passion flower interpreted?
In the ten petals of the passion flower they recognized theten faithful apostlesJesus Christ, in the ovary a symbol of theCup of the Last Supperand in the reddish wreath of flowers on the side crown, thebloody crown of thorns, which Jesus wore on his path of suffering. The three styles that protrude from the flower represent thethree cross nailsand the five anthers represent thefive stigmatathat he received at the crucifixion. The tendrils of the climbing plant were interpreted as thestraps of the scourge. The three bracts around the flower reminded Christians of theTrinity
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Importance of passion flower as a medicinal plant
In addition to its religious significance, passionflower also plays a role as a medicinal plant. It is said to have a calming and antispasmodic effect. For example, it can be used as a tea for sleep disorders.
