The columbine not only looks decorative, but also has strong symbolic power. Even before Christianity, it had a meaning that was changed and reshaped by Christianity.
What spiritual meaning does columbine have?
In pre-Christian times, the columbine was a powerful symbol offertility and sexuality. Christianity changed the spiritual meaning of columbine, making it a symbol of the Trinity and humility.
What spiritual significance did columbine have in ancient times?
Columbine used to be attributed to the goddess Freya, the Nordicgoddess of love and fertility The plant was therefore associated with various fertility rituals and was used for incense. This is exactly how the flower of the columbine was used as an aphrodisiac in pre-Christian times. The seeds were used to make witch ointments that were supposed to help men gain increased potency. The long, upright spur of the columbine was interpreted as a sexual symbol; the numerous seeds that the columbine produces symbolized fertility. At the same time it also represented the gateway to the other world.
How did Christianity change the spiritual meaning of columbine?
The early Christians recognized variousChristian symbols in the components of the columbine. For example, they saw the Holy Trinity in the tripartite leaves and the Holy Spirit in the dove-shaped petals. For them, the tilted flowers were a sign of humility and adoration. In Christian pictures, columbines are one of the most important flowers.
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The Spiritual Meaning of Columbine Today
To this day, incense with columbine is said to have an aphrodisiac effect that is said to release positive energies.
