“Consider the Lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” This is a great tribute to the Lily and it has been similarly praised throughout all literature. About this lovely flower hang myriads of sacred legends and such titles as the “symbol of purity,” the “soul of beauty” and “the symbol of peace.” In the lore of the Greeks and the Orientals, this matchless flower was hailed with the Rose as the “Queen of Heaven.” The Venerable Bede called it the most worthy symbol of the Virgin. He said that its pure white petals represent her undefiled body and the golden stamens her radiant soul shining with god-like light. Many old paintings of the Virgin show her with a vase of Lilies by her side.
The Rose is the universal symbol of royalty. In Greek mythology, it was the favourite flower of Aphrodite and was represented as springing from the blood of Adonis. Through all Norse and German mythology is repeated reference to the “regal beauty” and “queenly mien” of the Rose. In northern lands, the Rose was under the special protection of the fairies, dwarves, and elves.
The “Balm of Gilead” is a well-known sacred plant (Balsamum Judaicum) written of by Pliny, Strabo and Justin and grown in many parts of the East. It is said to have been first brought from Arabia by the Queen of Sheba as a gift to Solomon.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) was dedicated to St. John because its phosphorescent glow was remindful of the Biblical reference to him as a “bright and shining light.” Some European peasants still believe that, if gathered and worn on St. John’s Eve, it has the power of bringing good luck and success.
The Greeks and Romans used Verbena extensively in their religious ceremonies, principally because of its wonderful perfume. The Romans called it “the sacred herb” and regarded it as an aid in divinations and omens. On New Year’s Day, it was sent to friends as a token of greeting. The Roman generals wore a sprig in their pockets as a protection against bodily injury.
The Soma or Moon-Plant of India (Asclepias Acida) is a climbing vine with milky juice which is said to confer immortality upon its admirers.
Pomegranate was long reverenced by the Persians and Jews as the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden.
The Indian plant Basil for many centuries has been held in good repute by the Hindus, having been made sacred to Vishnu.
Mahomet pronounced Henna, the Egyptian Privet, “chief of the flowers of this world and the next.” Wormwood was dedicated to the goddess Iris.
If there are many plants which man’s adoration has made religious, there are almost an equal number which his suspicion and perversity have branded irreligious. A famous plant of this kind is the Enchanter’s Nightshade which has long been celebrated in the mysteries of witchcraft. Perhaps its usual place of growth in old graveyards among decaying bones and mouldering coffins has much to do with the sinister superstitions and legends connected with it.