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Marian flowers and their legends
There are many legends associated with flowers and the life of Mary. Hundreds of flowers have taken their names from the life, virtues and mysteries of Our Blessed Mother. Below are just a few of the flowers contained in the Mary Garden at the Gabriel House and their associated legends.
Violets
Marian name: Our Lady’s Modesty
Legend: Violets blossomed outside Mary’s window when the angel Gabriel appeared to tell her she would bear the son of God. As the angel left, he stopped to bless the little flowers, bestowing their fragrance.
Photo by Robert Linn/DCR
Columbine
Marian name: Our Lady’s Shoes
Legend: A tiny flower is said to have sprung up wherever Mary’s foot touched the earth when she was on her way to visit her cousin Elizabeth following the Annunciation.
Carnation
Marian name: Mary’s Love of God and Divine Flower
Legend: One legend says carnations first bloomed the night of Jesus’ birth; another says they first appeared the day Christ was crucified. The carnation represents the Incarnation of Christ.
Christmas Rose
Marian name: Holy Night Rose or Rose de Noel
Legend: On the night Jesus was born, a shepherd girl at the manger became sad because she had no gift for the infant king. God sent the angel Gabriel, and when he struck the frozen ground, white and pink blossoms sprang up. The girl is said to have decorated the manger and stable with the flowers.
Oxeye Daisy
Marian name: Mary’s Star
Legend: Legend claims that yellow flowers bloomed in front of the manger in Bethlehem, marking it for the wise men with their resemblance to the shining star that had led them there.
Harebell (Bluebell)
Marian name: Our Lady’s Thimble
Legend: The bell-shaped flowers, resembling tiny thimbles, were named after Our Lady to honor her working hands as she made Jesus’ clothes, including the robe he wore when he was crucified.
Lily of the Valley
Marian name: Mary’s Tears
Legend: When Mary wept at the foot of the cross, it’s said her tears fell to the ground and turned into tiny fragrant blossoms of this plant. When viewed from a distance, these flowerets can appear to be falling teardrops.
German Flag Iris
Marian name: Mary’s Sword of Sorrow
Legend: Sword-like foliage recalls the prophecy of Simeon to Mary at the Presentation of Jesus, that Mary’s soul would be pierced by a sword.
Source: “Mary’s Flowers: Gardens, Legends & Medita-tions” by Vincenzina Krymow
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