Liturgical Vestments

	When vesting for the liturgy, the cleric  first washes                                           his hands, praying :                                Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body. Latin version: Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendum omnem maculam ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.
	Then he puts on his:
	Amice Symbol of the helmet of salvation The amice is a rectangular piece of white linen with two strings at the upper corners which a cleric uses underneath his alb to cover the neck so that the Roman collar of the cassock is hidden. The word amice comes from the Latin amicire, meaning "to cover" and, because the heads of criminals condemned to death were covered in linen, the amice recalls the humiliation which was put upon Christ. As he puts on the amice, the priest kisses the Cross on the Amice and prays: Place upon me, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, that I may overcome the assaults of the devil. Latin version: Impone, Domine, capiti meo galeam salutis, ad expugnandos diabolicos incursus.
	Alb Symbol of purity The alb is the long white, robe-like vestment worn by all clerics at liturgical celebrations (celebrant, concelebrant, deacon, or acolyte). The alb (from Latin word alba, meaning "white") can be traced to the ancient Roman alb worn under a cloak or tunic; its color symbolizes purity and its form recalls that described in Ezekiel 28:4. As he puts on his alb, he prays: Purify me, O Lord, and cleanse my heart; that, being made white in the Blood of the Lamb, I may come to eternal joy. Latin version: Dealba me, Domine, et munda cor meum; ut, in sanguine Agni dealbatus, gaudiis perfruare sempiternis.
	Cincture Symbol of Chastity The cincture ties the alb at the waist. As he ties it, he prays: Gird me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity, and extinguish in me all evil desires, that the virtue of chastity may abide in me. Latin version: Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis.
	Maniple Symbol of the acceptance of suffering The maniple is a narrow strip of linen, of the same color as the chasuble, suspended from the left forearm so that if falls equally on both sides of the arm. It is to remind the cleric that he must patiently bear the cares and sorrows of this earthly life in the service of God and for Heavenly reward. Bishop puts on the maniple at the Altar after the Confiteor; other clerics put it on in the sacristy before the service. As the cleric puts on the maniple, he kisses the Cross on the maniple and prays: Grant, O Lord, that I may so bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow, that I may receive the reward for my labors with rejoicing. Latin version: Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris.
	Stole Symbol of the clerical office, immortality, and the yoke of Christ The stole, matching the liturgical color, is a long, scarf-like vestment worn over the alb and under the dalmatic/chasuble. The priest wears the stole around his neck so that it hangs equally down his chest in front or forms an X-shaped Cross; the deacon wears his stole over the left shoulder and tied at his right side; the Bishop wears his stole so that it hangs equally down his chest. As he puts on the stole, the priest kisses the Cross on the stole and prays: Restore unto me, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which was lost through the guilt of our first parents: and, although I am unworthy to approach Your sacred Mysteries, nevertheless grant unto me eternal joy. Latin version: Redde mihi, Domine, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis: et, quamvis indignus accedo ad tuum sacrum mysterium, merear tamen gaudium sempiternum.
	Chasuble or Cope For the Eucharistic Liturgy: Chasuble The chasuble, also matching the liturgical color, is is the long, often ornate, sleeveless poncho-like garment worn by priests and bishops over the alb and stole during the sacrifice of the Mass. As he puts on the chasuble, he prays: O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving. Amen. Latin version: Domine, qui dixisti: Iugum meam suave est et onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portare sic valeam, quod consequar tuam gratiam. Amen. For non-Eucharistic Liturgy: Cope The cope is a large mantle worn by clerics (including deacons) at some liturgical celebrations (but not at the Mass) -- for example, during Processions and Benedictions of the Blessed Sacrament. It matches the color of the liturgy and is worn in the same way as the chasuble or dalmatic.  Deacon for the Eucharistic Liturgy: Dalmatic Instead of a chasuble like a priest wears, the deacon wears the sleeved dalmatic, also matching the liturgical color, over his alb and stole. Bishops also wear a dalmatic at major solemn feasts and ordinations. It symbolizes charity, justice, and the sufferings of Christ. As he puts on the dalmatic, the deacon or bishop prays: Lord, endow me with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice ever encompass me.   Biretta The biretta is a tri-cornered or square-shaped hat with silk trim, tuft (except for the birette of seminarians and cardinals) and three raised wings, called "horns," on top at three corners (the side of the hat without the horn is worn on the left side of the head). It is made of scarlet silk for cardinals, violet silk for bishops, and black merlino for priests, deacons, and seminarians.
	In addition to the above, the Bishop wears a :
	Pectoral Cross The pectoral cross is a cross, usually about 6 inches in height, worn around the neck of a bishop and suspended by either cord (in liturgical vestments or choir) or chain (in abito piano). The cord is scarlet and gold for a cardinal; green and gold for a bishop. The pectoral cross is worn on the chest of prelates so as to keep the Cross close to their hearts. Crozier The crozier is the shepherd's staff used by bishops. The crozier has always been in the Church a symbol of the bishop's pastoral role. In the very early Church, it was made of wood, but in the early Middle Ages metal (silver and gold, depending on rank) was used instead. Wooden croziers again began to be used during the time of Vatican II and are common today.  Popes don't use a crozier, and only since the time of Vatican II have they used a crozier-like staff called the "pastoral staff." The pastoral staff is silver with a crucifix at the top. Episcopal Ring When a Bishop is consecrated as Bishop, he receives a ring representing his office (Cardinals receive their own special ring, also). The Pope's ring, known as the "Fisherman's Ring," is the personal and unique seal of that reigning Pontiff and is (or at least used to be) destroyed on his death. Zucchetto The zucchetto is the silk yarmulka-like skullcap worn by bishops. The Pope's zucchetto is white; the cardinals' zucchetti are scarlet; the bishops' zucchetti are violet. Priests may use a black cloth zucchetto for everyday wear, but not during the liturgy. Mitre The mitre imitates the Old Testament priestly headcovering and is the headdress of bishops, worn at liturgical functions. It is either precious, golden (orphreyed), or simple (simplex). The precious mitre is worn by celebrants, the simple by concelebrants, and the golden by the celebrant at an ordination. All cardinals wear a damasked mitre (simplex) in presence of the Pope. It is very tall and made of layered white damask silk.
	In addition to the above, a Metropolitan (Archbishop) wears a:
	Pallium The pallium is worn only by archbishops (in their own dioceses), patriarchs, and the Pope, as symbol of their authority. It's a band of white wool adorned with 6 small black crosses, worn around the neck with extensions front and back, and pinned to the chasuble in three places about the neck. The non-silk part of the pallium is made of white wool, part of which is supplied by two lambs presented annually by the Lateran Canons Regular on the feast of St. Agnes (21 January). The lambs are solemnly blessed on the high altar of that church after the pontifical Mass, and then offered to the pope, who sends palliums made of their wool to the archbishops.
	In addition to the above, the Pope wears a:
	Fanon The fanon is a vestment , rarely used nowadays, reserved for the Pope during a pontifical Mass. It consists of a double mozzetta (short shoulder-cape worn by bishops outside the liturgy), the first going under the stole and the second over the chasuble.

Precious Stones of Sacred Scripture

Exodus 28:15-21 And thou shalt make the rational of judgment with embroidered work of divers colours, according to the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen. It shall be four square and doubled: it shall be the measure of a span both in length and in breadth. And thou shalt set in it four rows of stones. In the first row shall be a sardius stone, and a topaz, and an emerald: In the second a carbuncle, a sapphire, and a jasper: In the third a ligurius, an agate, and an amethyst: In the fourth a chrysolite, an onyx, and a beryl. They shall be set in gold by their rows. And they shall have the names of the children of Israel: with twelve names shall they be engraved, each stone with the name of one according to the twelve tribes. Jewish Encyclopedia: The vestments of the high priest were interpreted in three ways. The explanation of Philo is as follows ("Vita Mosis," iii. 209): His upper garment was the symbol of the ether, while the blossoms represented the earth, the pomegranates typified running water, and the bells denoted the music of  the water. The ephod corresponded to heaven, and the stones on both shoulders to the two hemispheres, one above and the other below the earth. The six names on each of the stones were the six signs of the zodiac, which were denoted also by the twelve names on the breastplate. The miter was the sign of the crown which exalted the high priest above all earthly kings.  Josephus' explanation is this ("Ant." iii. 7, § 7): The coat was the symbol of the earth, the upper garment emblemized heaven, while the bells and pomegranates represented thunder and lightning. The ephod typified the four elements, and the interwoven gold denoted the glory of God. The breastplate was in the center of the ephod, as the earth formed the center of the universe; the girdle symbolized the ocean, the stones on the shoulders the sun and moon, and the jewels in the breastplate the twelve signs of the zodiac, while the miter was a token of heaven. St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica: According to some, the literal reason for these vestments was that they denoted the disposition of the terrestrial globe; as though the high-priest confessed himself to be the minister of the Creator of the world, wherefore it is written (Wis. 18:24): "In the robe" of Aaron "was the whole world" described. For the linen breeches signified the earth out of which the flax grows. The surrounding belt signified the ocean which surrounds the earth. The violet tunic denoted the air by its color: its little bells betoken the thunder; the pomegranates, the lightning. The ephod, by its many colors, signified the starry heaven; the two onyx stones denoted the two hemispheres, or the sun and moon. The twelve precious stones on the breast are the twelve signs of the zodiac: and they are said to have been placed on the rational because in heaven, are the types [rationes] of earthly things, according to Job 38:33: "Dost thou know the order of heaven, and canst thou set down the reason [rationem] thereof on the earth?" The turban or tiara signified the empyrean: the golden plate was a token of God, the governor of the universe. In St. John the Divine's vision of the Heavenly Jerusalem, the City stood on a foundation of 12 stones, each correlating with one of the stones of the breast plate. The stones, though, are in a different order -- with the last stone of the breastplate (the stone associated with the tribe of Benjamin) listed first. Apocalypse 21:19-21 And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper: the second, sapphire: the third; a chalcedony: the fourth, an emerald: The fifth, sardonyx: the sixth, sardius: the seventh, chrysolite: the eighth, beryl: the ninth, a topaz: the tenth, a chrysoprasus: the eleventh, a jacinth: the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, one to each: and every several gate was of one several pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were, transparent glass. The true identity of these stones is a fascinating matter -- but one in much dispute due to the ancients' not having precise names for the various rocks and minerals. Below is a table which indicates the names of the stones as given in different texts, and "best guesses" as to their modern identities according to the Catholic and Jewish Encyclopediae.

Key:
BP: Breast Plate
FS: Foundation Stone 
DR: Douay-Rheims
KJV: King James Version
NIV: New International Version
NASB: New American Standard Bible
CE: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1905-1917
JE: Jewish Encyclopedia, 1901-1906
 

BP	FS	Hebrew acc. to CE (and JE)	Septuagint	Josephus	Vulgate	DR	KJV	NIV	NASB	CE	JE
1	6	Arm	Sardion	Sardonyx	Sardius	Sardius	Sardius	Ruby	Ruby	Red Carnelian, a species of Chalcedony	Sard or Blood red Jasper
2	9	Ghtrh (JE: Ptdh)	Topazion	Topaz	Topazius	Topaz	Topaz	Topaz	Topaz	Chrysolite	Chrysolite or Topaz
3	4	Brqm (JE: Yhlm)	Smaragdos	Smaragdos	Smaragdus	Emerald	Carbuncle	Beryl	Emerald	Emerald	Rock Crystal
4	3	Gphr (JE: Nfk)	Anthrax	Anthrax	Carbunculus	Chalcedony	Emerald	Turqoise	Turquoise	Oriental Ruby	Garnet or Emerald
5	2	Mghry	Sappheiron	Sappheiros	Sapphirus	Sapphire	Sapphire	Sapphire	Sapphire	Lapis lazuli or Sapphire	Lapis lazuli or Sapphire
6	8	Yhlm (JE: Yshphh)	Onychion	Beryllos	Beryllus	Beryl	Diamond	Emerald	Diamond	Beryl, Emerald, or Aquamarine	Opaque stone of green color
7	11	lshm	Ligurion	Liguros	Ligurius	Jacinth/ Ligurius	Ligure	Jacinth	Jacinth	Crimson, red, or orange zircon	Amber or Jacinth
8	10	Shbw	Achates	Achates	Achates	Agate/ Chrysoprasus	Agate	Agate	Agate	Agate	Agate
9	12	Ahlmh	Amethystos	Amethystos	Amethystus	Amethyst	Amethyst	Amethys t	Amethyst	Amethyst	Amethyst
10	7	Trshysh	Chrysolithos	Chrysolithos	Chrysolithus	Chrysolite	Beryl	Chrysolite	Beryl	Topaz	Beryl
11	5	Shhm	Beryllion	Onyx	Onychinus	Onyx/Sardonyx	Onyx	Onyx	Onyx	Onyx, quartz	Malachite
12	1	Yshphh	Iaspis	Iaepis	Iaspis	Jasper	Jasper	Jasper	Jasper	Jasper	Ring-stone

Each of the breastplate stones had a name of one of the 12 Tribes of Israel engraved on it, and each, as the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas indicate, is associated with one of the Mazzaroth (Signs of the Zodiac). Though I've seen endless variations as to which Zodiac sign goes with what Tribe, I list those mentioned in Bullinger's "The Witness of the Stars" (1893). At any rate, in the days of the early Church, Andreas of Cappadocia Caesarea (A.D. 431-506) associated each of foundation stones with one of the Apostles, including Paul, but omitting James the Greater, and, naturally, replacing the original Judas with Matthias. I don't vouch for the quality of the information in this last column as I've been unable to find his writings for myself, but include what I've found in various internet sources. (Note that sometimes the Tribe of Joseph is not counted, and the Tribe of Levi is often not counted as a separate Tribe. Instead, the Tribes headed by Joseph's sons, Mannaseh and Ephraim, are counted).

Key:
After Tribes' names:
(R) born of Rachel
(L) born of Lia (Leah)
(B) born of Bala (Bilhah), Rachel's handmaid
(Z) born of Zelpha (Zilpah), Lia's handmaid

BP	FS	Vulgate	Douay-Rheims	CE	Tribe	Tribal Symbol (Zodiac Sign)	Apostle
1	6	Sardius	Sardius	Carnelian, a species of Chalcedony	Ruben (Reuben) (L)	Mandrake (Aquarius)	Philip
2	9	Topazius	Topaz	Chrysolite	Simeon (L)	City of Schechem (Pisces)	Matthew
3	4	Smaragdus	Emerald	Emerald	Levi (L)	Urim and Thummim (Libra)	John
4	3	Carbunculus	Chalcedony	Oriental Ruby	Juda (Judah) (L)	Lion (Leo)	Andrew
5	2	Sapphirus	Sapphire	Lapis lazuli or Sapphire	Zabulon (L)	Ship (Virgo)	Paul
6	8	Beryllus	Beryl	Beryl, Emerald, or Aquamarine	Issachar (L)	Sun and moon (Cancer)	Thomas
7	11	Ligurius	Jacinth/Ligurius	Crimson, red, or orange zircon	Dan (B)	Eagle or serpent (Scorpio)	Simon
8	10	Achates	Agate/Chrysoprasus	Agate	Gad (Z)	Camp (Aries)	Jude
9	12	Amethystus	Amethyst	Amethyst	Aser (Asher) (Z)	Female figure and olive-tree (Sagittarius)	Matthias
10	7	Chrysolithus	Chrysolite	Topaz	Nephtali (Napthali) (B)	Deer, stag (Capricornus)	Bartholomew
11	5	Onychinus	Sardonyx	Onyx, quartz	Joseph (R) (Menasseh and Ephraim) NT: Joseph and Menasseh; Dan omitted Note: Manasses (Menasseh) and Ephraim were Joseph's sons	Joseph: Egypt; sheaf of wheat Ephraim: Ox (Taurus) Menasseh: Unicorn; arrows and olive branch (Taurus)	James the Less
12	1	Iaspis	Jasper	Jasper	Benjamin (R)	Wolf (Gemini)	Peter

Mary Gardens

 

Mary Garden is a garden, filled with flowers, plants and trees named for Our Lady and Jesus, designed to be a place of beauty that reminds us of our Lord and our Lady, allows one to experience God's creation, and invites prayer and contemplation. Because Mary is a type of the Church as Bride, the garden should be enclosed if at all possible, based on the words in the fourth chapter of Solomon's Canticle of Canticles: How beautiful art thou, my love, how beautiful art thou! thy eyes are doves' eyes, besides what is hid within. Thy hair is as flocks of goats, which Come up from mount Galaad. Thy teeth as flocks of sheep, that are shorn which come up from the washing, all with twins, and there is none barren among them. Thy lips are as a scarlet lace: and thy speech sweet. Thy cheeks are as a piece of a pomegranate, besides that which lieth hid within. Thy neck, is as the tower of David, which is built with bulwarks: a thousand bucklers hang upon it, all the armour of valiant men. Thy two breasts like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.  Till the day break, and the shadows retire, I will go to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. Thou art all fair, O my love, and there is not a spot in thee. Come from Libanus, my spouse, come from Libanus, come: thou shalt be crowned from the top of Amana, from the top of Sanir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the leopards. Thou hast wounded my heart, my sister, my spouse, thou hast wounded my heart with one of thy eyes, and with one hair of thy neck. How beautiful are thy breasts, my sister, my spouse! thy breasts are more beautiful than wine, and the sweet smell of thy ointments above all aromatical spices.   Thy lips, my spouse, are as a dropping honeycomb, honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments, as the smell of frankincense. My sister, my spouse, is a garden enclosed, a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed up. Thy plants are a paradise of pomegranates with the fruits of the orchard. Cypress with spikenard. Spikenard and saffron, sweet cane and cinnamon, with all the trees of Libanus, myrrh and aloes with all the chief perfumes. The fountain of gardens: the well of living waters, which run with a strong stream from Libanus.  Arise, O north wind, and come, O south wind, blow through my garden, and let the aromatical spices thereof flow. St. Benedict had a rose garden ("rosary") at his monastery in the 4th c., but the first garden we know of that was specifically dedicated to Mary was one created by the Irish St. Fiacre in the 7th c. The earliest record of a garden explicitly called a "Mary Garden" involves a "fifteenth century monastic accounting record of the purchase of plants "for S. Mary's garden" by the sacristan of Norwich Priory, in England." 1 Before the rise of Christendom, many flowers were associated with pagan deities -- Diana, Juno, Venus, etc. -- but when the "Age of Faith" ascended and superceded the pagan, these flowers were "christened" and re-dedicated to Christian themes. So many flowers were named for Jesus, Mary, the angels, holy places, etc. -- enough such that you can create a garden focused on specific aspects of Mary and Jesus' lives, such as His Passion or her sorrows. Enchanting names, like "Our Lady's Tears" (spiderwort), "Christ's-Cross Flower" (Summer phlox), "Joseph's Coat" (Amaranthus), "Pentecost Rose" or "Mary's Rose" (peony), and "Our Lady's Mantle" (Morning Glory), abounded. Sadly, during the Protestant rebellion and the rise of secularism, many of these flowers were re-named yet again with more wordly names but, of course, these flowers still exist and to many Catholic gardeners, their religious names are still meaningful. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish's (in Pennsylvania) Mary Garden Dedication Booklet includes the following, which will give you an idea about how Mary Gardens recall the lives of Mary and Jesus. The booklet asks the reader to visit the garden and think of Mary: "Picture her eyes (Forget-Me-Nots), her hair (Maidenhair Fem), her five fingers (Potentilla). Think about her apparel: her smock (Morning Glory), her veil (Baby's Breath), her nightcap (Canterbury Bells), her gloves (Foxglove), and her shoes (Columbine). Remember her attributes: Mary's humility (Violet), the fruitful virgin (Strawberry), Mary's queenship (Virgin Lily), Mary's Flower of God (English Daisy), Mary's glory (Saint John's Wort), and Our Lady's Faith (Veronica). Think about her life: The Bethlehem Star (Bellflower), the Christmas Flower (Poinsettia), Lady's Bedstraw (Dianthus - Mary used bedstraw to prepare a bed for Jesus), the Epiphany flower (Chrysanthemum), the Flight into Egypt (Fig Tree - legend says that the Holy Family ate the fruit of this tree during their flight into Egypt), Our Lady's Tears (Lily of the Valley - tiny white nodding bell-shaped flowers can be likened to a train of tears), Our Lady's Tresses (Asparagus Fern - legend holds that at the foot of the cross, Mary, in. deep agony, tore out a tress of her hair which Saint John preserved), Mary's Bitter Sorrow (Dandelion), and the Assumption (Hosta - Plantation Lily blooms at the time of the Feast of the Assumption)." You can plant flowers whose names and form evoke the Fourteen Stations of the Cross or the Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary so that by walking through your garden you not only enjoy its natural beauty, but practically "make the Stations" or "walk the Rosary," turning your backyard , schoolyard, or churchyard into a holy shrine (especially when accented with beautiful statuary).  If you don't have lots of room, you can make mini-gardens on your patio or apartment's balcony, or grow miniature plants in dishes or terraria for inside your home (nice gifts for the homebound!). If you do have lots of room, especially if you live in the country, consider setting up a little roadside shrine and garden so people passing by can stop and rest at a beautiful sacred place. Below is a table of modern common names, scientific names, and medieval, religious names and meanings of flowers, plants, and shrubs, along with a few other plants relevant to our Lord's life. Separately below in the table, you'll find the same for herbs. The month associated with those flowers deemed as "birth flowers" have the birth months rendered in (italicized parentheses): Common Name Scientific Name Medieval Name and/or Religious Meaning Amaryllis Amaryllis belladonna Beautiful Lady Amaryllis Hippeastrum hybr. St. Joseph's Lily Anemone, double-flowered Anemone coronaria St. Brigid Aster Aster nova-belgii Michaelmas Daisy (September) Baby's Breath Gypsophila panicul. Lady's Veil Bachelor's Buttons Centauria cyannis Mary's Crown Bean caper plant Zygophyllum dumosum ? Found on Shroud of Turin. See footnote for more information on the flowers of the Holy Shroud. Begonia Begonia fuchsioides Heart of Jesus Begonia Begonia fuch. rosea Heart of Mary Bellflower Adenophera Lady Bell Bird of Paradise Streliztia reginae Bird of Paradise Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Golden Jerusalem Bleeding Heart Dicentra spectabilis Mary's Heart Blue Phlox Phlox divaricata Lady's Wedding Bluets Houstonia caerul. Madonna's Eyes Bougainvillea Bougainvillea gen. Trinitaria Buttercup Ranunculus acris Lady's Locks Buttercup Ranunculus sp. Our Lady's Bowl Camelia Camellia (japonica) (Purity) Calla Lily Zantedeshia aethiop. St. Joseph's Staff Canna Canna generalis Rosary Beads Canterbury Bells Campanula medium Our Lady's Nightcap, Mary Bells, Our Lady's Smock Caper, Caper bushes Capparis spinosa (var. aegyptia) ? Found on Shroud of Turin. See footnote for more information on the flowers of the Holy Shroud. Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus Mary's Love of God. These flowers are said to have bloomed at Christ's Nativity, according to a German legend. (January) Castilian roses (Damascus Roses or Damask Rose) Rosa damascena I am not sure of the medieval name for these native-to-Spain flowers, but these are the variety that St. Juan Diego found after the vision of Our Lady at Guadalupe. Chrysanthemum (mum) Chrysanthemum All Saints' Flower. Chrysanthemums in general are associated with death and are used and funerals and to adorn graves (Chrysanthemum coronarium is believed by scientists to have been present when Christ was laid in the tomb. See footnotes). (November) Clematis Clematis virginiana Virgin's Bower Clematis Clematis (flammula) Cross Columbine Aquilegua vulgaris Our Lady's Shoes, Lady's Slipper. Said to have sprung up under Our Lady's feet as she went to visit Elizabeth. The dove-shaped petals of this flower invited -- and invites -- its use for decoration on the Feast of the Pentecost. Corn Marigold Chrysanthemum segetum Mary's Gold (November) Cosmos Cosmos sp. St. Michael's Flower (September) Costmary Chrysanthemum bals. Mary's Leaf Cowslip Primula veris Lady's Keys Crocus Crocus vernus Penitent's Rose Cross Vine Bignonia capreolata Cross Vine Crown Daisy Chrysanthemum coronarium ? I don't know the medieval name for this flower, but "Crown Daisy" is appropriate: this flower shows up on the Shroud of Turin. See footnote for more information on the flowers of the Holy Shroud. Daffodil Narcissus pseudo-narc. Mary's Star Dahlia Dahlia (hybrids) Churchyard Flower Day Lily Hemerocallis flava St. Joseph's Lily Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia sao ant. St. Anthony Dieffenbachia Dog Rose Rosa canina Mary's Thorn Dutchman's Breeches Dicentra cucullaria I don't know the medieval name for this interesting flower, but it has sentimental interest for me so I would love to discover it if anyone happens to know and cares to write. Edelweiss Leontopodium alp. Purity Easter Lily Lilium longiflorum Easter Lily English Daisy Bellis perennis Mary-Love English Holly Ilex aquifolium Burning Bush Evening Primose Oenothera biennia Easter Candle Fern Asplenium ruta-mur. Lady's Hair Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis This lovely flowering plant -- closely related to, resembling, and sometimes called the same name as the Morning Glory -- is pervasive once planted and, so, is generally considered a weed. Its old common name according to the Grimm's short tale of the same name is "Our Lady's Little Glass." The story in its entirety: "Once upon a time a waggoner's cart which was heavily laden with wine had stuck so fast that in spite of all that he could do, he could not get it to move again. Then it chanced that Our Lady just happened to come by that way, and when she perceived the poor man's distress, she said to him, 'I am tired and thirsty, give me a glass of wine, and I will set thy cart free for thee.' 'Willingly,' answered the waggoner, 'but I have no glass in which I can give thee the wine.' Then Our Lady plucked a little white flower with red stripes, called field bindweed, which looks very like a glass, and gave it to the waggoner. He filled it with wine, and then Our Lady drank it, and in the self-same instant the cart was set free, and the waggoner could drive onwards. The little flower is still always called Our Lady's Little Glass." Forget-me-not Myostis scorpoides, Myostis sylvatica Eyes of Mary Forsythia Forsythia suspensa Easter Bush Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Our Lady's Gloves Fuchsia Fuchsia speciosa Christ's Blood Drops or Our Lady's Eardrops Geranium Pelargonium (dom) Lady Beautiful Geranium Pelargonium sp. Heart of Jesus, Gentle Virgin German Iris lris germanica Mary's Sword of Sorrow Gladiolus Gladiolus sp. Twelve Apostles, Ladder to Heaven Golden Rod Solidago canad. Lady's Plant Grape Hyacinth Muscari (gen) St. Joseph's Bells Grape Hyacinth Muscari botryoides Church Steeples Ground Ivy Nepeta hederacea Madonna's Herb Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Mary's Mayflower(May) Hawthorn Crataegus oxyacana Mary's Berry (May). The Crataegus Oxyacantha praecox variety is the plant of England's "Glastonbury Thorn" -- a plant of Mediterranean origin but which, in Somerset, blooms twice: at Easter and at Christmas. It, therefore, has become a symbol of Christmas. The Glastonbury Thorn is said to have arisen when St. Joseph of Arimathea thrust his hawthorn staff into the ground in Somersetshire. The original plant was destroyed by Puritans (the soldier who did the chopping is said to have been struck in the eye by a large splinter from the tree), but shoots from it were taken, and England's Glastonbury Thorn lives. Since 1929, blossoms from the Glastonbury Thorn are sent to England's Monarchs for their table on Christmas Day. Heather Calluna vulgaris Lady's Adversary Holly (Christmas Holly) Ilex opaca. var. Christmas Holly (December) Holly (English Holly) Ilex aquifolium Burning Bush Hollyhock Althea rosea St. Joseph's Staff Honeysuckle Lonicera caprifol., Lonicera (japonica) Lady's Fingers (June) Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum Lady's Stick (June) Hosta (Plantain Lily) Hosta plantaginea Assumption Lily Hyacinth Hyacinthus oriental. Lily-Among-Thorns, Lily-of-Valley Hydranga var. Hydranga macro. mar. Ave Maria Impatiens Impatiens Wallerana Our Lady's Earrings, or Mother Love Ivy Hedera helix Where God has Walked Jasmine Jasminum officinale Mary Job's Tears Coix lachryma-jobi Job's Tears (Job 16:20). The seeds of this plant are often used for Rosary beads. Jonquil Narcissus jonquilla (December) St. Joseph's Staff Judas Tree Cercis siliquastrum Said to be the tree upon which Judas hanged himself after betraying Our Lord. It is a beautiful tree, with lovely pink flowers in the Spring. Larkspur Delphinium ajacis, Delphinum (grandif.) Mary's Tears (July) Lavender Lavendula (offic.) Flight into Egypt Lilac Syringa vulgaris Ascension Flower Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis Our Lady's Tears. These flowers are said to have blossomed from Mary's tears for her Son as she stood at the foot of the Cross. (May) Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis Mary's Milkdrops, Our Lady's Milk Herb, The Virgin Mary's Tears Madonna Lily Lilium candidum Annunciation Lily, Virgin Lily or Mary's Lily Note: The Venerable Bede (A.D. 672-735) described the white petals as symbols of Mary's body, and the golden anthers as symbols of the glory of her soul. Roses and lilies were said to have filled Mary's empty tomb when it was opened by the Apostles. While lilies' association with purity cause them to be depicted with many Saints, such as SS. Francis and Claire, they are most strongly associated with St. Joseph, whose rod is said, in the Gospel of the Nativity of Mary, to have blossomed to prove he was worthy to guard Mary and become her spouse; with St. Anthony of Padua, because lilies left in chuches on his Feast Day miraculously remained fresh during the French Revolution; and with the archangel Gabriel, who is depicted as presenting Mary with the lily at the Annunciation (hence the name "Annunciation Lily"). Lilies are also associated with Solomon's Temple (III Kings 7:19-22), and their beauty is commented on by Christ Himself (Luke 12:27). Maltese Cross Lychnis chalcedonica "Maltese Cross" (or "Jerusalem Cross"). The shape of these flowers' petals strongly evokes the Maltese Cross, and they are said to have been introduced into Europe, from Russia and Siberia, by the crusading Knights of Malta. Marigold Calendula officin. Mary's Gold (October) Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmar. Our Lady's Belt Millfoil Achillea millefolia Christ's Back, Our Lord's Back Mistletoe Viscum album Cross Moonflower Calonyction acul. Lady-of-Night Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Our Lady's Mantle (September) Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus St. Joseph's Flower Orchid Orchis purpurea Lady Orchis Orchid Brassavola nodosa Lady-of-Night Orchid Orchis maculata Gethsemani Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale Christ's Blood, Crucifixion Blood-Drops (August) Ox-Eye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Mary's Star. The legend told is that the Magi followed the star to Bethlehem but weren't sure where to go once there. King Melchior then saw the ox-eye daisy growing, which looked very much like the star they'd followed. He picked it, and the door to the stable opened revealing the Holy Family. Pansy Viola tricolor Trinity Flower, Our Lady's Delight Passion Flower Passiflora Passion Flower, whose 5 stamens symbolize the Five Wounds of Christ; the outer fringe, the crown of thorns; and stigmas, the nails. See more here. Periwinkle Vinca rosea Virgin Flower Petunia Petunia hybr. Lady's Praise Peony Paeonia officinalis Pentecost Rose (does anyone know of any name or meaning associated with Paeonia lactiflora?) Pink Dianthus (gen) Mary's Pink Poet's Narcissus Narcissus poeticus Lady's Rose Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherima Nativity Flower, Christmas Star Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis Mary's Gold Primrose Primula elatior Mary's Candlestick (February) Primrose Primula vulgaris Lady's Frills (February) Quaking Grass Briza Lady's Tresses, Our Lady's Braids Ranunculus, double-flowered Ranunculus I don't know the medieval name for this flower, but it's a gorgeous blossom. Rose Rosa White: Mary's Purity Red: Mary's Sorrow and the Blood of Christ. Also martyrdom. Gold: Mary's Glory Red and White: Visitation Note: The Rose symbolizes Mary herself (she is known as "The Mystical Rose," see Litany of Loreto) and is described in Dante's Paradiso when the guide asks him to contemplate Mary, "Why are you so enamored of my face that you do not turn your gaze to the beautiful garden which blossoms under the radiance of Christ? There is the Rose in which the Divine word became flesh: here are the lilies whose perfume guides you in the right ways."  Roses and lilies were said to have filled Mary's empty tomb when it was opened by the Apostles.  Roses are also associated with SS. Dorothy and Thérèse of Lisieux (who both send roses from Heaven), Elizabeth of Hungary, and Rose of Lima. St. Francis once threw himself on the thorns of a rosebush as penance. Since then, the rosebushes in that garden (near the cloister of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi) have no thorns. See also the entry for Castilian Roses. (June) Rock Rose Cistus (landanif.) Rose of Sharon Rock Rose Cistus creticus ? Shows up on Shroud of Turin. See footnote for more information on the flowers of the Holy Shroud. Rose of Jericho Selaginella lepidophylla and Anastatica hierochuntica This desert plant survives in a curled up, dormant, brown, dessicated state for years, and then opens up and turns green with a bit of water. After returning to a lovely green, it goes dormant again when its water source is removed. Because of this fascinating property, it is often kept dormant in the home and brought out at Christmas time to blossom and then close in order to symbolize the opening and closing of Mary's womb. The plant is also known as the Resurrection Plant, Siempre Viva ("Everlasting"), and Dinosaur Plant. Read more about this plant on the Rose of Jericho page off the Chrismastide Overview page. Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus Rose of Sharon Scabiosa Scabiosa columbaria Mary's Pincushion Scotch Thistle Onopardon acanthium Judas' Cloak Sea Pink Armeria maritima Our Lady's Cushion. These flowers are said to have made a place for Mary to sit during the Flight into Egypt. Shamrock Trifolium dubium a symbol of St. Patrick and his evangelization of Ireland, and of Ireland itself -- but St. Patrick used it as a symbol of the Trinity, with each leaf representing a Divine Person while the plant remains one plant. Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus Infant Jesus' Shoes Snowdrop Galanthus nivalus "Candlemas Bells" or "Purification Flowers." These flowers are said to have bloomed on Candlemas, when Mary took Jesus to the Temple for His "redemption." (January) Spanish Moss Mentha requienii Mother-of-Thousands Spiderwort Tradescantia zebrina (Zebrina pendula) Wandering Jew. The name for this plant -- often used as a houseplant -- derives from an old legend about a Jew who mocked and hit Christ during His Passion and so was condemned by Him to wander the earth until the Last Judgment. Two other species of this plant are also known by this name: Tradescantia fluminensis and Tradescantia pallida (Setcreasea purpurea, Purple Heart). Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum symbol of the star that led the Magi to Christ Stock Mathiola incana Our Lady's Violet Strawberry Frageria vesca Fruitful Virgin Summor Phlox Phlox paniculata Christ's-Cross Flower Sunflower Helianthus annus Mary's Gold Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima Blessed by Mary, Mary's Little Cross Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus Our Lady's Flower (April) Sweet Pea Lathyrus pratensis Mary's Foot (April) Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Lady Tuft Tournefort's gundelia Gundelia tournefortii ? Found on Shroud of Turin. See footnote for more information on the flowers of the Holy Shroud. Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa St. Joseph's Staff Tulip Tulipa gesneriana Mary's Prayer Violet Viola odorata Our Lady's Modesty (March) Water Lily Nymphaea alba Lady-of-the-Lake (July) Winter Rose (Snow Rose) Helleborus niger Christmas Rose, or Lent Rose. A German Christmas symbol. Wisteria Wisteria frutescen Virgin's Bower Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa Candlemas Caps, Lady's Nightcap Yellow Flag Iris Iris pseudocorus Fleur-de-lis of French royalty, Mary as Queen, the Immaculate Conception Yucca Yucca treculeana St. John's Palm Zinnia Zinia elegans The Virgin, Church Flower Zinnia Zinnia multiflora Little Mary, The Virgin Herbs Parsley Petrosolenium crisp. Our Lady's Little Vine Sage Salvia officinalis Mary's Shawl Rosemary Rosmarinus officin. Mary's Nosegay Thyme Thymus vulgaris The Virgin's Humility Chives Allium schoenopras. Our Lady's Garleek tarragon Artemisia dracunculus its botanical name means "Little Dragon" and evokes St. Martha's slaying of the dragon known as La Tarasque Dill Anethium graveolens Devil-Away Coriander Coriandrum sativum St. John's Head Sweet Bay Laurus nobilis St. Bridget's Flower Basil Ocimum basilicum Holy Communion Plant. Pots of basil are used to decorate homes and to give away as gifts on St. Anthony of Padua's Day. Marjoram Origanum vulgare Mary's Bedstraw Cumin Cummin cyanum Cross-Cummin Fennel Foenlculum vulgare Our Lady's Fennel Anise Pimpinella anisum Our Lady's Sprig, Lady's Tobacco Spearmint Mentha spicata Mary's Mint Chicory Cichorlum intybus Heavenly Way Horehound Marrubium vulgare Mother-of-God's Tea, Mary's Nettle Sassafras Sassafras (albidum) Virgin's Tree Hyssop (Syrian Oregano) Origanum syriacum I am unable to find a medieval name for this plant, but include it because of its importance in the Passover, Psalms and Passion. The variety of hyssop properly called Hyssopos officinal., and known as St. Joseph's Plant in the Middle Ages, is not the variety spoken of in the Bible and at the Mass. The Biblical plant is Origanum maru. Catnip Nepeta cataria Mary's Nettle Feverfew Chrysanthemum parth. Mary's Flower Feverfew Parthenium hystero. Santa Maria Chamomile Anthemus cotula Maiden Weed Chamomile Matricaria chamom. Lady's Flower St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatm St. John's Wort, Fuga Daemon ("Devil's Flight"), John's Blood, Jesus' Blood Drops, Christ's Sweat, Mary's Glory Spikenard (or "Nard") Nardostachys grandiflora (or Nardostachys jatamansi) The portion of the plant just above the roots has a patchouli-like scent which was used by Mary Magdalen in the ointment she used to annoint Christ. Dandelion Taraxicum officin Mary's Bitter Sorrow Valerian Valeriana officin. Lady's Needlework Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium Lady's Flavoring As you plan your garden, consider planting, depending on where you live, the following to help the liturgical year come alive:  a cherry tree so you can use some of its branches on St. Barbara's Day (December 4) Castilian roses for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (13 December) some rosemary, laurel, holly, ivy, mistletoe, Christmas Roses, poinsettias, fir trees and other evergreens for use during Christmas tide until Candlemas (25 January - 2 February) Star-of-Bethlehem and Ox-eye Daisy for Twelfth Night and the Feast of the Epiphany some snowdrops to bring inside on Candlemas (2 February) red roses for St. Valentine's Day (14 February) some pussy willow for its branches on Ash Wednesday some shamrocks to harvest and wear on St. Patrick's Day (17 March) Annunciation lilies for the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) a dogwood tree for Good Friday (3 days before the first Sunday after the first full moon after 21 March) Easter lilies for Easter (the first Sunday after the first full moon after 21 March) some roses to crown and adorn Mary's statue in the month of May columbine for the Feast of the Pentecost pansies for the Feast of the Trinity (the Sunday after Pentecost) some lilies to have blessed, and some basil to decorate with and give away on the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (13 June) some strawberries and St. John's Wort to harvest on the Feast of St. John and its Eve, and flowers that dry well to make wreaths (23 and 24 June) Spikenard in honor of Mary Magdalen (22 July) tarragon in honor of St. Martha (29 July) some herbs and fruit to harvest and have blessed on the Feast of the Assumption (15 August) some asters, an apple tree, and blackberry bush to harvest on the Feast of St. Michael (29 September) some chrysanthemums for All Souls' Day (2 November) See the page on the Customs of the Liturgical Year  for more information on these practices. ... and when you plant your Mary Garden, let's hope some of "Our Lady's Birds" -- ladybugs, named for Mary when, according to medieval legend, they miraculously came to save crops from aphids -- come to protect your plants! The red color of the "Lady Beetle's" body is symbolic of her red cloak, and the 7 black spots found on some species in Europe represent her 7 Sorrows. Lady Bugs are almost universally considered symbols of "good luck" because of the benefits they bring to man. 2 You might want to pray to St. Fiacre, patron of gardeners, for God to send some of these critters your way... One more tip: you can make flower pots and cement objects, like statues, look more interesting by inviting moss to grow on them. To do this, mix a quart of buttermilk, a pint of pulverized wood-land moss, a pint of composted manure, and a little Miracle-Grow. Paint onto object with a paintbrush and set the object in a cool, shady place. Keep it moist by spritzing with water or stale beer. Footnotes:  1 Some of the information for this page comes from Mary Gardens website. Their site graciously states, "All texts and graphics of web page and site copyright Mary's Gardens, 1995. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for promotion of the greater glory of God through knowledge, honor, praise and veneration of, and through devotion and recourse to, the Blessed Virgin Mary." Thank you!  2 Just for fun: "They say" that the nursery rhyme most in the English-speaking world grew up with (see below) comes from medieval farmers burning their fields to clear them for the next sowing season: Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home,  Your house is on fire and your children all gone.  All except one whose name is Anne  Who hid herself under the frying pan.  3 The evidence of many plant species have been found, either visibly, in pollen form, or both, on the Shroud of Turin. Five of these are below:   Chrysanthemum coronarium  The "Crown Daisy" was laid on His Body when He was entombed. It's the most prominent flower seen in the Shroud, and it blooms between March and May when the Crucifixion took place. The flower appears in many Jesus icons (ex. the 6th c. Pantocrator icon at St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt and a 7th century solidus coin minted under Justinian II). Zygophyllum dumosum  Zygophyllum dumosum leaves and flowers are visible in the image, too, and its pollen has been found in the Shroud also. This is the second most prominent flower found in the Shroud's image. Capparis aegyptia Flowers of this plant open up between Noon and sunset. The flowers visible in the Shroud indicate a time of around 4PM. Cistus creticus Many pollen grains of this lovely flower, also known as "Rock Rose," have been found on the Shroud, which support the identification of an unclear image of what appears to be this flower on the Shroud. Gundelia tournefortii  Gundelia tournefortii pollen is found in abundance on the Holy Shroud. It is believed by some experts to be the plant that, when dried, made up the crown of thorns.