Passiflora Edulis - Culture

Culture

The Passion fruit is so called because it is one of the many species of Passion Flower. ("Passion Flower" being the literal English translation of the Latin genus name, Passiflora). The name was given by missionaries because the parts of the flower seemed reminiscent of the torture (the Passion) of Christ prior to his crucifixion:

• The three stigmas reflect the three nails in Jesus's hands and feet.
• The threads of the passion flower resemble the Crown of Thorns.
• The vine's tendrils are likened to the whips.
• The five anthers represented the five wounds.
• The ten petals and sepals regarded to resemble the Apostles (excluding Judas and Peter).
• The purple petals representing the purple robe used to mock Jesus' claim to kingship (Mt. 27:28)

The flower of the passion fruit is the national flower of Paraguay.