The passionflower was so named by Spanish Christian missionaries because they identified parts of the flower with the passion of Jesus Christ.
- Then ten petals represent the ten faithful disciples. The two apostles who were not considered were St. Peter, the denier, and Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.
- The filaments that circle the center of the flower represent Christ’s crown of thorns.
- The curled filaments represent the whips used in flagellation of Christ.
- The white color was equated with Christ’s innocence.
- The styles symbolize the nails.
*passion flower*