Iris Symbolism in Christianity – In Christianity Iris flowers symbolise delightfulness, charm and love of God. Ultimately it is associated with beauty, courage and hope. Iris flower means in bible is about hope, positiveness, faith, wisdom, acceptance and trust. Spiritually iris represents glory, grace and dedication.
The Iris is one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. It has been used for centuries as a symbol of different things in many cultures. In Christianity, Iris is often used as a symbol of faith. Let’s take a closer look at Iris symbolism in Christianity and find out why this flower is such an important symbol in this religion.
The Iris is mentioned in both the Old and New Testament in the Bible and is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow. It’s also known as the fleur-de-lis, which is French for “lily flower.” But what does Iris mean in the Bible?
The “Iris appears in Genesis 9:13 where God says to Noah, “I have set my bow in the cloud,” a reference to a rainbow. The use of rainbows to represent the sign of a covenant between God and humankind appears repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments.
Other verses where the Iris is mentioned include:
- Leviticus 14:4-6
- Psalm 35:10
- Ezekiel 1:28
- Revelations 4:3.
So what does Iris mean in the Bible? The Iris is a symbol of God’s promise to His people. It appears in the Old Testament to remind us that God set into place a system of covenant with humanity, while also appearing in Revelations to represent the sign of His promise to believers.
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Iris Flower Specification:
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Scientific Name | Iris sibirica |
| Native | Asia and Europe |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Species | 300 |
| Flower Colors | Purple, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, Pink, White |
| Time Of Flowering | Spring, Summer |
| Light Requirement | Partial to Full Sun |
| Soil | Well Draining |
| Fertilizer | Liquid based |
Iris Symbolism in Christianity: The Iris Flower
The Iris flower was first used as a Christian symbol by the Franciscan order of monks in 1877. The Iris flower is representative of divine virtues such as faith, wisdom, hope, fortitude, justice, temperance and patience – all things which are important to the Christian religion.
The Iris flower comes from the Iris family of plants that grow bulbs and rhizomes which symbolise faith, wisdom, and secrets. Iris flowers come in various colours such as blue, purple, yellow and white which unite to form a range of bright hues – this is symbolic for how we all have different views but uniting can create many things. Iris flowers are also symbols of prosperity and good luck.
Iris flowers also come in a variety of patterned colours such as ‘broken’, which combines Iris flower shapes such as the Iris star together to form new Iris flower shapes, aligning with how we all combine our different views and opinions but still stand united.
The Iris Plant
In Christianity, Iris symbolism has been used in several ways. Iris plants are often planted in religious gardens that are designed to resemble paradise. They have also been used in many paintings. Artists such as Monet, Matisse, Van Gogh and Picasso have all used Iris plants in their paintings. Iris plants are sometimes placed near the figures in these paintings to further Iris flower symbolism.
Iris Symbolism in Christianity: The Mythology
Iris flowers are named after Juno (Queen of Heaven and wife to Jupiter in Roman mythology), who had large, beautiful eyes that were said to change colours like the Iris flowers when she cried or got angry. This symbolises how each Iris flower can hold many colours, just like our emotions can be a range of feelings. Iris plants are also closely linked to Iris flowers, their leaves and roots were used in ancient Egyptian medicine to treat ailments such as eye infections.
The Iris symbolism in Christianity furthers the Iris plant’s connection to Iris flowers. They have long been associated with Iris goddesses – Juno and Iris being two of them – and they are also known as Juno’s tears.This symbolises how Iris flowers change colour with age – just like life experiences can cause us to change.
The Greek Goddess
Iris, the Greek goddess of rainbows and messenger to Hera was often described as having wings like an eagle when she flew. This symbolised her swift delivery of messages from one god or goddess to another.
Iris also had ties with fertility and immortality because she could take human form and marry any mortal man that caught her fancy. The Christian Church adopted this same symbolic meaning for Iris when they included it among their list of saints who were martyrs during the Roman persecution in the third century AD. Iris became known by many names including:
- Saint Liberata
- Saint Irena
- Saint Irene, Blessed Rainha de Portugal
- Santa Eulalia
- Sainte-Hélène, Saint Iris of Rome.
The Link To Christ
The Iris flower is further linked to Christ because it only comes in pure colours, which are symbolic of his purity. Iris flowers also come in many different shapes, just like people can be all shapes and sizes but we’re still one because we’re all human.
Iris flowers are representative of the Trinity too, for this reason Iris flower symbolism has been used to represent Mary, Iris’ Roman name that is interchangeable with the Iris flower, Queen of Heaven and the Holy Spirit.
Iris Symbolism in Christianity: Iris Flower Tattoos
The Iris flower is one of the most popular symbols used in Christian tattoos today because Iris plants are sacred symbols of faith. Iris flowers tattooed on Christians can be used as Iris flower symbolism for their own faith. Many people like to get the Iris flower tattooed on them because it also serves as a symbol for new beginnings and life.
Christian Celebrations
Iris symbolism in Christianity also aligns with Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. Iris flowers are symbolic of the virginity of Mary, who is also known to be sometimes referred to as the Queen of Heaven.
Iris symbolism is also associated with Easter by being painted or dyed on eggs for this holiday, bringing Iris flower symbolism closer to resurrection and new life.
Used in Decorations
Iris plants have been used to decorate churches too. Parts of Iris plants can be tied together to form a knot which symbolises the bond between God and man or how it’s important to stay faithful when life gets tough.
Iris plants and Iris flowers are also associated with love, richness and good luck – they can be used to decorate cards, wedding bouquets or even offered as gifts to show that the giver wishes you well.
Iris symbolism in Christianity is a fascinating topic. Iris is a flower that has many cultural interpretations and appears in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Iris plants and Iris flowers have been used for many years in Christianity and their symbolism is still referenced often today.
Here is the video about 15 flowers in Christianity.
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