Here are but a few of the Passion Flower vines seen at Butterfly World.
Early Spanish and Portuguese Missionaries believed each part of the Passiflora represented a different aspect of the Passion of Jesus Christ, hence the name Passion Vine.
The stigma is thought to represent the three nails used to nail Christ to the cross. The center column of the flower is thought to represent the cross itself. The small violet colored filaments that surround the base represent the crown of thorns. The five petals and five sepals are thought to represent the 10 disciples present at the crucifixion and the underleaves represent Christ's resurrection on the third day.
Fantastic collage! I went to the nursery yesterday to buy some flowers to start a butterfly garden. A couple of years ago a friend told me to go to a particular nursery because they had butterfly bushes they were trying to get rid of. These poor things looked very sad. So I bought the one I thought had the best chance of surviving. Last year was its second year, but we never saw any butterflies around it. So I thought I'd added some flowers to help attract them and maybe have a chance of getting some butterfly shots this year.
Thanks for sharing the symbolism. Always fascinating.
@lynnb They are cool plants. Each one is so unique, too.
@squamloon I like to share symbolism when I know it!
@timrox Thank you, Tim. They are exotic!
@adamj Thanks, Adam!
@pamknowler I'm glad you enjoyed it, Pam! Thanks so much for the fav!
@calm Even though I know there are a number of varieties, I just forgot how many there are! It is fascinating to see them "all".
@dolphin Thanks so much for your nice comments, Molly!