FRIDAY FAIR - PLANTING GOOD IDEAS

Let’s finish this little romp in the garden. Even I am getting tired of this little verdant romp. I think that I am ready for fall and snow.

It is said that the anemone sprung up around the base of the Cross. Originally white it gained its red color from the drops of blood from Christ. Mary sometimes holds it in scenes of the Crucifixion.

The bramble was thought to be Moses’ burning bush and so also symbolizes the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose heart burns with love but who is not consumed by lust.

I love carnations and think they get a bum rap as not being quite as sincere an expression of love as roses. But it is! Particularly a pink rose is used for newlyweds.

Ophelia: “There’s fennel for you, and columbine.” I don’t know why I put that quote in there other than I was pleased with myself in remembering that the recently gone mad Ophelia in Hamlet mentioned this plant that somewhat resembles a dove and so represents the Holy Spirit.

As it did with the Greeks the laurel in the spiritual life goes to the victors. Often martyrs are pictured with laurel leaves around the crown of their heads. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Like the evergreen it never fades in color and so I also a symbol of eternal life.

The pomegranate is very interesting. At my last parish it was positioned over the top of the main crucifix. Like so much Christian symbolism we took this pagan symbolism and baptized it. The pomegranate was associated with Proserpina, the goddess who returned in the spring and brought life to the world. Now it is associated with the Resurrection and the new life of Christ. It can also represent the Church as inside the pod of the pomegranate contains many seeds.

Enough with plants for now. I’ll try to dig something else up next week.

SYMBOLIC FRIDAY - ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME

The annunciation is perhaps another easy one for which a flower comes easily to mind. It is so common to find the lily in a painting of the annunciation. It is not uncommon to find the angel holding the lily or, in many cases, for the lily to be seen in a clear vase (a sign of purity) in the scene. The lily is closely associated with Saint Gabriel the archangel who made the announcement to Mary. The lily is also a symbol of purity and is often put in the hand of a virgin saint. For all of these reasons it has become a ready symbol of the annunciation.

Strangely enough, the olive branch is also a symbol of the annunciation. It was used by artists in Siena because they did not wish to use the lily which was used as the symbol of Florence with whom they were bitter enemies. Just the same the olive readily lends itself since it symbolizes God’s providence toward His children. From the olive we receive great amounts of oil (and oil is a symbol of favor and blessing) and thus the olive becomes a handy symbol in this instance. Particularly if you disfavor Florence over Siena.

One of the books that I consult lists the pomegranate as a symbol of the ascension but I must disagree. None of my other books confirm this assertion. At most I find the pomegranate as a symbol of the Church or the Resurrection. The book also failed to give a reason as to why it would be a good symbol of the ascension but I mention it here merely for reference or if someone could find another resource to counter my position.

The color of Pentecost is of course red owing to red being attributed to the Holy Spirit Who appeared as tongues of fire and fire being, of course, red. At least it is in my crayon box. Therefore any flower sporting this color would be appropriate. Of course all the flowers used for baptism and confirmation would also be appropriate as well as any plants associated with the Holy Spirit.

All Saints day can allow for quite an imaginative array of flowers. All plants that are associated with saints and symbols of life over death can be used. Palms and lilies might be most appropriate. White is the official color of the day so that might be worked into a theme or a mixture of white and red (for martyred saints – red being the color of the blood that they spilt). Wheat could also be used in reference to John 12:24. Then there are all of the plants associated with specific saints such as the three leaf clover (Oh just guess who) and the rose (St. Therese.)

SYMBOLIC FRIDAY - BRIGHT AS A BULB

N.B. Today is a holy day of obligation!

As far as Easter goes just about any plant or sign of life works. But of particular interest are bulb plants such as the daffodil or tulip. The bulb, when planted, is rather unremarkable. It has a shell that makes it look pretty dead actually as the skin flakes and easily falls off. It is buried in the ground and then in the spring, round about Easter (if we are lucky in northeast Ohio,) it springs gloriously to life. Of course this is an easy reference to Christ dying in the Cross, being placed in the tomb, and then rising on the third day.

This was actually a fun project to work on with the school kids. In the fall we would get a couple of bags of bulbs, a bunch of little shovels, and then head out and about the church property to tell this story and plant. When spring came about not only could we reiterate the story of Christ, a service project saw fruition in the beautification of the Church property for Easter in which they could take pride.

Of course the Easter lily is to Easter what the poinsettia is the Christmas. There are a number of legends about the lily. One is that after Christ resurrected from the tomb wherever He walked lilies sprang up.

The palm branch may be most associated with Passion (or Palm) Sunday but it is also of interest to us at Easter. It would make much sense as part of an arrangement. You may notice that martyrs are pictured holding palm branches. The Romans used the palm branch as a sign of victory and we adopted it to show victory of the Christian over death. Both the martyrs and the resurrected Christ are shown holding palm branches as a sign of that victory.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Answers to yesterday’s quiz. It should be noted that the Scriptural references are not complete, just a starting point. I also realize some of the answers may be contested. Have at it but if you feel compelled to argue please be scholarly.

1. Scripture 1 John 5:16-17

2. Scripture James 5:14-15

3. Tradition. The titles are not part of the actual Gospels and even if they are mentioned by name it does not say that the person is the disciple. To believe that is Tradition then.

4. Scripture MT 19:13-15 - ACTS 2:38-39 - LK 18:15-17 - I realize this one might be of particular controversy.

5. Tradition

6. Tradition - There is plenty of groundwork here to highly back up Tradition, but there is no specific explanation of the Trinity nor, like purgatory, is the word even used.

7. Tradition - See above.

8. Scripture - too many references even to begin printing them.

9. Tradition

10. Tradition

11. Scripture - Once again, the word is not used but the action is described. Acts 8:14-17.

12. Tradition

Ladies and gentlemen, we have an upset. If my answers to the controversial questions are accepted, for the first time EVER on Adam's Ale, someone (Adoro) did better than Rob on a quiz!

SYMBOLIC FRIDAY - PLANTING SEEDS OF FAITH

I was always of a mind that less is more in lent and so always strove to un-decorate during this season. Almost every place I have been has had the opposite opinion however. There are always decorations for lent albeit “lenty” decorations. There are the traditional thorn bushes, seemingly dead grape vines, and leafless twigs in bud. The bulrush represents the humble multitude of the Church. The apple is the symbol of the Fall and of man’s sinful nature which is in need of healing. The violet is the symbol of humility and its color is also apropos for lent.

The passion flower has made its way into art more recently but is not really available on the market. The reason that it is called the passion flower is that with a little imagination one can make out the artifacts of the crucifixion.

The cockle, because it invades fields and chokes off desired crops is associated with sin and sinners invading the Church as in Christ’s parables. Another weed, the dandelion is considered one of the bitter herbs and thus a symbol of Christ’s Passion. The reed should be fairly obvious as it was used to lift the sponge soaked in vinegar to Christ’s lips as He hung upon the Cross. The thistle can be added to this list as a symbol of sin (from Genesis as part of Adam’s curse as the ground would bring forth thistle) and because of its thorns, reminiscent of the crown of thorns.

“Life has always poppies in her hands,” or so it says in the book, “The Portrait of Dorian Grey”. Dorothy almost never returned home because of the poisoned poppies that caused her to fall asleep. Because of their red color they are also used in depictions of the Passion but they are also, symbols of sleep, fertility (interesting combination), ignorance, extravagance, and indifference.

Pansies are a symbol of mediation and remembrance and have traditionally (in art) been a particular symbol for lent. I think an attempt to use them on the altar without deep catechesis could be mighty confusing.

There are two stories about the aspen tree. You might notice that its leaves seem to shake in the summer breeze and legend says that when the aspen learned that it had been chosen to be the tree out of which the Cross was to be made it shook in horror. The other legend says that when all of the other trees bowed in sorrow at the death of Christ on the Cross the aspen refused out of sinful arrogance and its leaves were doomed to shake and shiver thence forth.

The cypress, reported earlier in the symbolic language as used in our cemeteries, is a symbol of death because of its dark leaves and because once chopped down it never springs up again from its roots. The dogwood was once said to be a massive tree like the oak and was originally chosen to be the wood of the Cross and was horrified. Jesus looked with compassion on the tree and transformed it into a twisted, brittle shrub so that it could never be used for such a purpose. Hence the flowers of the dogwood resemble a cross (four petals long and two short) each marked with a rusted, blood soaked nail, and crown of thorns at its heart.

During the Renaissance holly was often used in representations of the Passion though we would find it odd now I suppose since it is so intimately associated with Christmas. As all of the other trees shattered themselves as the axe was brought down on them so that they could not be used as lumber for the Cross, the proud holly would not so defame itself. As a result it is now a twisted shrub, humbled for daring to be so prideful before its maker. The prickly leaves were associated with sin and the red berries with Christ’s blood.

SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - GREEN (AND RED) WITH ENVY

Seasons also have flowers associated with them. Advent tends to be a time that we do not decorate and so we begin with Christmas. The most obvious flower associated with Christmas is the poinsettia. But believe it or not, this is a relatively new addition to the symbolic vocabulary. It seems so incredibly entrenched that it is hard to imagine the altar not having them in abundance (thanks in large part to commercial growers and promoters.) In fact, it is not listed in older liturgical symbolic dictionaries. So here is evidence of something nice being introduced and the Church baptizing it and assigning symbolic value to it. The flower somewhat resembles a star which makes one think of the Star of Bethlehem. Some assign meaning to the various colors in which this plant comes but I find that risky since there is no universal agreement and the colors vary so greatly. But red is often associated with His humanity or the Blood which He would shed 33 years later. White brings to mind purity. But pink and mixed colors are kind of on their own.

You will find the almond associated with the birth of Christ. It symbolizes divine favor or approval. The symbol comes to us from Numbers 17;1-8, in which Aaron was chosen as high priest by God because his staff burst into bloom. “. . . and behold the rod of Aaron of the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds and bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds.” This then became a symbol of the Blessed Virgin. She appears in a Mandorla or Almond aureole, a shape made when two circles intercept each other, usually in depictions of the Assumption. This shows the divine favor bestowed upon her that derives from her being chosen to be the Mother of God hence, the appropriateness of use in art and decoration of using the almond not and branch.

Once again the daisy comes into use. It symbolizes the innocence of the Christ Child and considered more appropriate than the tall stately lily to exemplify his humility.

SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - ROOTED IN CHRIST

Many flowers and other plants are suitable for ordination in art and arrangements. Symbols of purity and chastity are of particular appropriateness. Among these would be the lily, the laurel, and oddly enough the chestnut and the orange tree.

According to this sadly unnamable book (mentioned last week) are also the following suggestions. “The hyacinth signifies Christian prudence, peace of mind and a longing for heaven.” It actually comes to us through Greek mythology. While throwing a discus Apollo accidentally killed the beautiful youth Hyacinthus. Apollo then caused the hyacinth to spring up from his blood. The cause of new life from the death of the youth can symbolically remind us of our hope and our longing for heaven and new life after this life here on earth.

The fir tree has a lot of meanings. It of course represents Christ at Christmas and eternal life because of its ever green leaves, but it can also mean the “rejection of the low and base desires” characteristic of the elect of heaven who excel in the virtue of patience. In some Easter European traditions they sometimes take two tall firs or pines and chop off all but the upper branches, place them at the entrance of the event (in this case the doors of the church) with a banner between them such as “Welcome to out newly ordained priest”. I do not know if that has any connection or any meaning or if it is just fancy decoration. If you know anything your insight would be appreciated.

The fern, a symbol of humility, frankness, and sincerity is also appropriate. Its grace and beauty is hidden in the shadows of the woods and is only seen by the careful and honest seeker. Throughout Scripture the elm tree is a symbol of power and strength and the dignity of life. (Odd since the road that goes behind St. Sebastian is Elmsdale and currently only has one elm tree on it due to the elm blight that has swept our country.) Its mighty arms that stretch out in every direction gives us the idea of the strength we receive from the Scriptures.

I love this one: The plantain, though only a weed, is the symbol of the well worn path and traveled path of pilgrims seeking the Lord. It thrives along byways and paths and is also knows as “way bread”. It is often seen in Renaissance paintings.

TO BE CONTINUED

IN OTHER NEWS:

Fr. Schnipple, Adoro, Uncle Jim, LM, and a host of other initials, monikers, and guest bloggers are in town for the Adam’s Ale visit to the Vatican Splendors! Originally thought the third A.A. get together is actually the fourth we realized. I will have mass at St. Sebastian on Saturday at 4:30 and Fr. Schnipple will have Mass on Sunday at 11:00. Today we will be at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes for a visit around 12:30.

SYMBOLIC FRIDAY - THIS WILL GROW ON YOU

As you were promised, here are some of the flower associations that make certain varieties particularly pertinent for various Church celebrations. I wish proper credit could be given for the source of this information but it comes to you through an old Photostat that was given to me by a housekeeper at a parish where she also did the decorations. So the connection has been lost.

Some of these flowers could be used as actual decorations at the celebrations. Others, for practical reasons, might only be able to be used in art. For example, symbols of the Holy Trinity are a perfect fit with baptism. One of the plants most associated with the Holy Trinity (thank you Saint Patrick) is the three leafed clover. It would be difficult to decorate with this plant as anyone from any distance would not even know what it was. And it would be hard to make it look good. But it might be included in some art associated with baptism.

Olive oil is used in the baptismal rite and therefore olive branches are appropriate. They also recall the story of Noah to which reference is made in the blessing of the water. Since the 15th century the Daisy, associated with Christ’s innocence, has come to symbolize restored innocence and so is used particularly in infant baptisms.

Olive branches also work for confirmation as olive oil is used in the rite. Columbine symbolizes the Holy Spirit and is appropriate for any celebration that particularly concerns the Holy Spirit. (Columba is Latin for spirit.) Terebinth is also used in Chrism (it adds scent) and can also be used.

Red is the color of the Holy Spirit and is of course most appropriate in arrangements. Red roses or carnations should alert people to the type of celebration taking place. This also states well why we should be careful not just to put “pretty” things on the altar. If we put red on the altar let us mean to put red on the altar for a reason!

The carnation, actually is probably a little more appropriate as it is the symbol of pure love. (Not that the flower industry would agree – but that will come later.)

To be continued.

LET ME PLANT ONE ON YOU

Apart from religious symbolism, the Victorians had a rich communication using plants in every day life. There is a book on my shelf (finally unpacked) called “Parson’s Handbook of Business and Social Forms; A Compendium of Business and Social Rules and a Complete Work of Reference and Self Instruction, 1902. There is a chapter entitled, “Dictionary of Floral Sentiment and the Flowers that Represent Them”. For several pages there are possible messages listed next to the appropriate flowers or plants that signify them. Here are some examples:

A deadly foe is near: Monk’s-hood
Advice: Rhubarb
Agreement: Lancaster Rose
Aversion: Indian Single Pink
Be Mine: Four Leaved Clover

And there are hundreds more. In a single nosegay one could write a whole letter I suppose.

The Church was no slouch in this either. In symbolism plants are used extensively and there had been certain plants for certain occasions even in altar decorations that many would have recognized as easily as we do today when we see poinsettias for Christmas and lilies for Easter. Somewhere I have an interesting list that I hope to unearth for you soon.

But continuing the thoughts from last week concerning Marian Gardens, marigolds named after Mary were said to once said to have adorned the dress of the Blessed Virgin and were used extensively for decorating her shrine in summer time feasts. There are also Our Lady’s Slippers, Lady’s Mantle, Lady’s Purse, Lady’s Seal, Lilies, Lilly of the Valley (my Mother’s favorite that still surrounds her house), Violets, Spearmint, Rosemary, Thyme, and Mint all have connections with Mary and are appropriate particularly for gardens in her honor.

For a more detailed description of plants and what they mean (I would just have to plagiarize in order to tell you more) I would recommend the book, “Catholic Traditions in the Garden by Ann Ball: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing.

SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

Catholics have always been on intimate terms with nature and have seen God’s handprint there and have used nature to teach about and glorify God. That is why our symbolic language is so strong in nature, though much of it has fallen into neglet over the years. It is time to reclaim it.

Perhaps the most endearing tradition is that of planting a Mary Garden. Typically these gardens would have a statue of Mary in them though I don’t know that this is strictly necessary. The plants in the garden would be those that have a direct symbolic connection with the Blessed Virgin.

Perhaps the flower most readily called to mind for this type of garden would be the rose. The term rosary originally referred to a garland made with roses and later came to signify the round of prayers said on beads, each a flower of prayer.

Any color rose would do, but as you might imagine red is often associated with the sorrowful mysteries, white with the joyful mysteries, and yellow with the glorious. Of course now we have the pesky problem of the luminous mysteries. I do not know that there is an “official symbolic color” yet universally associated with them. So knock your socks off and pick something and start a trend.

We will continue with symbolic plants of Mary next time.

N.B. There will not be a Sunday Video on Tap tomorrow. Of everything that was the only day that did not get so much as a mention on the list of things to keep according to your Emails. That’s great considering finding good videos is becoming more and more difficult. The links will move to Tuesday and if a video happens to come up, it will be posted then too. Thanks for your input.