The passion flower is an unusual and extraordinary flower, and many of its parts are used to represent different aspects of the Crucifixion. This makes it a wonderful symbol for holy week, especially Good Friday. The tendrils represent the whips used in the Scourging, and the hundreds of filaments surrounding the center of the flower are associated with the thorns that pierced Our Lord’s sacred brow. There are five anthers which stand for the five wounds, and the three stigmas surmounting them resemble three nails. Even the leaves, which are long and pointed, stand for the lance which was used to pierce the side of Christ.
