Christianity sees plants and flowers as created by God
to show forth and share with humans
the divine goodness, beauty and truth – the purpose of all Creation.
In this flowers may be enjoyed simply and directly in themselves
as showing forth God’s goodness and beauty,
or more fully, as archetypes, signatures, symbols,
and bearers of legends, mirroring the revealed articles
of Christian faith – thereby serving as means
for their teaching, recollection, contemplation and celebration.
~John S. Stokes, Jr.
Mary’s Gold they were called and the “golden gifts” of Calendula were offerings to the Virgin Mary by the poor who had not actual gold to give her. In the late Middle Ages some of the churches started designing actual gardens devoted entirely to Mother Mary. Marigolds and other flowers associated with her were planted in the Marian Gardens. Those flowers represented significant events in Mary’s life as well as her virtues, and the purpose of the gardens was to provide a place for worshippers to meditate and pray. All gardens or any flowery place for that matter seem to me to be an excellent setting for prayer, praise, and contemplation. So with my little photographic collage of summery yellow flowers, I’m offering up a piece of written text by John O’Donohue as a Celt’s food for thought this week.
May you recognize in your life, the presence, power and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference. May your realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a destiny here, that behind the façade of your life there is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. ~Psalm 119:15 ✝
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. With all Creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings. You are my everything, and I will adore you!”(From Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean)
Sacred Touches 
Very cool–I love learning such—the history behind things is so fascinating and I always love that those things we so often enjoy today are rooted in our ancient Christian spiritual heritage. You’ve taught me well today my friend and blessed me in so doing—
Blessings—Julie
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I love learning things like this too. I’m so glad you enjoyed the “lesson.” Blessings and hugs to you, Cookie. 🙂
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Awww…chrysanthimum color mary gold…just loved it, such a great thought behind the creation, thanks for the post dear Natalie 🙂
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You are very welcome, Radha. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Blessings and hugs. Natalie 🙂
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Thank you for sharing the beautiful encouragement–to see our selves as God sees us. Bright blessings! Laura
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Thank you, Laura. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! God sees us all as His beloved child! Blessings and hugs, N 🙂
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Oh, I loved learning this about marigolds! I have several planted on my little back porch. Thank you, Natalie! What a blessing! ❤
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Thank you, Susan. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post and that it was a blessing to you. Hugs, N 🙂
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We use calendula on our body. =) I didn’t realize the association w/ Mary. Beautiful post, N.
“They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD– the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.”
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Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I love the scripture you quoted! Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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