Lent is over, Easter has been celebrated gloriously, and we are reminded that we must be good stewards of the earth God has created for us. Everything has an order to it. We don’t have to pray to God, or remind God, to have tulips bloom, peonies erupt, and lilacs blossom. It is in the program God has created for them.
The old line “April showers, bring May flowers” reminded me of God’s flora which are known by religious names. Many religions have special names for plants that play a role in their lives. I’ve picked a few examples.
Let’s start with Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia) not to be confused with Devil’s Trumpet (Datura). Angel’s Trumpet produces fragrant, large flowers that hang down. But they are not as sweet and angelic as one might expect. In fact, ingestion of them or a tea made from them results in fever, delirium, agitation, and memory disturbances. Devil’s Trumpet in the same nightshade family, usually point up from the ground. Also known as Jimsonweed, it produces serious poisonous reactions. So much for Angels and Devils being on opposite sides of a coin!
The Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is considered a strong contender among several for the material Jesus’ crown was made from. Therefore, it has symbolic meaning to the crucifixion. It has sharp thorns which link directly to the pain and humiliation Jesus suffered. It has red flowers which refer to the redeeming power of the sacrifice.
Joseph’s Coat (Amaranthus tricolor), so-called because of its reference to the Bible story of Joseph, is known for adding its flashy color to garden beds, urns, and for culinary purposes Unlike the coleus which most of us are familiar with, Joseph’s Coat is edible. Its young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, or stir fried like spinach. Remember, don’t run out and pick your coleus
leaves. Let them be pretty outside.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) has been known for centuries as a medicinal plant. Wort is an old English word for plant. It has yellow flowers and has been used in European medicine since the ancient Greeks. It is primarily used as an over-thecounter antidepressant or minor tranquilizer. The name originates from St. John the Baptist’s feast day of June 24th, which is associated with the summer solstice since it blooms at that time each year. For centuries legends and folklore have given it magical properties.
Let’s just enjoy May when God is waking up his world. Let us remember to be good stewards of his creations. He gave them to us because he loves us. Yes, LOVES US.
