Symbolism of the Passion flower

The name “passion flower” was given to the plant in the sixteenth century by Roman Catholic missionaries in South America, where the flower grew naturally. They noted how the flowers had particular physical features that aligned with the crucifixion. They saw it as a gift of God to help them in their work of teaching the Indians to understand the Passion of Christ and the Crucifixion and used it as a teaching aid. 
When the passion flower was brought back by them to the New World ‘the Passion of Christ’ reference stuck and the flower grew in popularity.

The Passion flower (Latin name Passiflora) belongs to a family of climbing plants of which there are numerous varieties; but the one referred to here is the common blue passion flower, although its colour may also be described as a purple/blue hue – reminiscent of the liturgical colour of Lent. Many of you may have one growing in your garden. If so, look closely at it when it flowers and see if you can identify the following symbols: 
1. The five petals and five sepals (the outer parts of the flower that enclose the flower before it blooms) together represent ten of the twelve disciples who didn’t betray or deny Jesus (as Judas and Peter had done). 
2. The three topmost stigmas (part of the plant that rises from the top of the flower and receives pollen and initiates fertilization), each with a roughly rounded head, recall the three nails that impaled Christ on the cross. 
3. The five stamen that hold the anthers (the parts of the flower where pollen is produced) together signify the five wounds (hands, feet and side) of Christ. 
4. The anthers alone represent the sponge used to moisten Jesus’ lips. 
5. The central column of the three stigmas and five anthers signify both the post on which Jesus was whipped and the cross on which he was hung; and the many slender tendrils surrounding its base are likened to the cords and whips used in the scourging. 
6. The radial corona filaments (the base of the central column holding the stigma) represent the crown of thorns. The word “corona” is actually defined as being like a crown, or in the shape of a crown of thorns. 
7. The red stain of the corona is a reminder of his blood that was shed. 
8. The leaves of the passion flower are shaped like a lance to represent the spear that pierced his side. 
9. The fruit is round and signifies the world that Jesus came to save and was crucified for. 
10. The tendrils that support the stems as they grow symbolize Jesus holding on to God’s purpose and being supported by God’s love. 
11. The fragrance of the flower represents the spices that the women brought with them to the tomb. 
12. The duration of the flower’s life is three days – the time elapsed from crucifixion to resurrection. 
Europeans soon discovered the medicinal value of the passion flower and its fruit and took up its use, especially for calming the nerves, which is thought to be yet another symbolic aspect: Like Christ who came to relieve the sufferings and anxieties of man, so this plant relieves the pains and sufferings of those who take advantage of the properties imbued in it. 
Some tenuous links maybe, but I will never look at the passion flower in the same light again without thinking of the Passion of Christ.

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