8569 Faith in plants 300x210 final

The wonder plant

Appropriately named the wonder plant, Aloe vera has been used all around the world due to its medicinal properties and as a symbol of longevity and immortality. A sacred plant for many cultures, Arabs refer to aloe as the ‘desert lily’ for its many uses and properties in a harsh environment.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Faith in plants trail

Cultural

The hot shot of culture

In some Ethiopian stories, coffee was seen as the ‘devils work’, but it soon became referred to as ‘liquid gold’. Regardless of faith or class, coffee has great cultural significance in Ethiopia, the original home of coffee. It is integral to social life in the country. Certainly not instant coffee, the Ethiopian coffee ceremony can take a number of hours and is considered a mark of friendship and respect.

Coffee (Coffea Arabica)

Cultural


Food fit for the gods

The delicious chocolate we know and love is made from the cacao tree. The Mayans regarded cacao as much more than a tasty treat; it was sacred and deeply embedded in their culture. Not only was it used in spiritual ceremonies as an offering to the gods, it was also used as money. Because cacao was so valuable during the time of the Mayans, some people believe that cacao beans were forged.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

Mayan


A gift from the three kings

Once more valuable than gold, frankincense is probably best known as one of the gifts brought by three wise men to Jesus in Bethlehem. Widely used in ancient times for many different medical conditions, frankincense is now being tested for its properties in the fight against cancer.

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra)

Christianity


A sacred crown of thorns

This is one of several plants that could be the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of Jesus. Also important in Islam, it is suggested that this is the only tree that is considered sacred by Muslims. The fruits of Christ’s thorn have some medicinal properties, such as fighting against infection.

Christ’s thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi)

Christianity


A tough nut to crack

The name coconut comes from the Spanish word ‘coco’ which means ‘head’. In Hinduism, the coconut is known as the ‘fruit of God’. It is an object of worship and in some Hindu ceremonies, a coconut is broken on top of a devotee’s head as part of their fulfilment of vows. This is done so that a person’s negative qualities can be broken and they become pure.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Hinduism


Love blooms

The rose has been loved, and associated with love, for thousands of years. Cleopatra loved roses. She sprinkled them in her milk baths, sprinkled rose petals at Marcus Antonius’ feet and even used roses in aphrodisiac recipes. In Islam, the rose represents divine beauty. Rose water is used in Islamic ceremonies, particularly in weddings; the flowers are blessed with rose water.

Elgantine (Rosa rubiginosa)

Islam


The tree with a spirit

A well loved tree by many in Britain, the English oak has been used for centuries for its strong timber and in traditional medicine. Early humans believed the oak tree provided fire as lightning would often strike these trees. Deeply rooted in paganism, the oak tree is sacred. It is associated with the ‘green man’, a tree spirit with a face represented by oak leaves. He symbolises rebirth, representing new growth every spring.

English oak (Quercus robur)

Paganism


Divine nutrition

The sacred lotus is an ancient super food, and truly useful as the whole plant is edible. It is still used in south-east Asia in many dishes from salads and soups to desserts and drinks. The sacred lotus has been revered in many cultures and faiths in Asia and is sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism.

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Buddhism


Olive (Olea europaea)

Judaism


A symbol of peace and light

A dove brought Noah an olive branch after the Great Flood to show that the waters had receded and peace had been restored. In Judaism, the olive is a symbol of light. Hanukkah, also known as the ‘festival of lights’, celebrates the rededication of a Jewish Temple that was nearly destroyed 2500 years ago. When it had been repaired, a Menorah was lit using olive oil and burned for 8 days. Hanukkah is still celebrated in this way today, but usually with candles.

Make a wish

This tree from India has many uses, such as medicine, building materials, and even nail polish made from a resin secreted by insects living on the tree. The banyan is not only significant in its uses but is surrounded by mythology and symbolism in southern Asia. In India, it is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists and widely known as the ‘wish fulfilling’ tree. In Hinduism, the leaf of the banyan tree is said to be the resting place of the god Krishna.

Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)

Hinduism


Holy wine, holy vine

The importance of wine is shown in Jesus’ last supper. Bread and wine were served, representing Christ’s body and blood, and are still taken as part of Holy Communion today. Less widely known is the symbolism of the vine. It is used to express the relationship between God and his people in Christianity. The vineyard is seen as being the protected place where the children of God (the vines) flourish under the tender care of God, the keeper of the vineyard.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

Christianity


Ceremonial sweet crop

Sugar cane is one of the most important crops produced in India. It is widely grown in the Punjab region where Sikhism originates from. Many Sikhs work in agriculture in the Punjab. In some religious ceremonies, amrit (sugared water) is drunk. The sugar is stirred in the water with a ceremonial sword, the kirpan. Prayers are said and at the end of the ceremony, and a dish called karah parshad is eaten (semolina, sugar and ghee that has been blessed).

Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum)

Sikhism


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8569 Faith in plants 300x210 final