Foxgloves
Foxgloves, a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Digitalis family, are known for their bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors like white, pink, purple, and yellow. These flowers are frequently featured in medieval manuscripts, especially illuminated books of hours containing calendars and prayers, with their significance varying based on the context and symbolism employed.
One interpretation of foxgloves in medieval manuscripts is their representation of the Virgin Mary. The name Digitalis, which means "finger" or "thimble," suggests Mary's sewing or spinning activities, while their bell shape represents her purity and grace. This interpretation reinforces Mary's significance in Christian devotion, intensifying the emotional impact of religious texts and fostering a sense of connection between the reader and the divine.
Foxgloves are also known as "folksgleow, with 'folk' meaning fairy folk and 'gleow' referring to a row or chime of little bells" (Fisher, 53). In contrast to their Christian associations, foxgloves played a crucial role in Celtic folklore as a symbol of the magical and mysterious, and a potent instrument for protection and healing. Their connection to fairies and the Otherworld further highlights their mystical nature and contributes to their enduring popularity in folklore and magic.
The duality of the religious symbolism of foxgloves with their magical and witchcraft associations could create a sense of complexity and ambiguity in the reader's mind. On the one hand, foxgloves were associated with the Virgin Mary and Christian devotion, reinforcing the dominant religious ideology of the time. On the other hand, they were also linked to fairy folk and magic, which challenged the Christian worldview and opened up the possibility of alternative beliefs and practices.
Assuming a reader was aware of this dichotomy, it may have created a sense of tension or unease as they were confronted with multiple and conflicting meanings of the same flower. The foxglove's ability to symbolize both healing and harm, medicine and toxicity, could also add to this complexity, making it difficult to categorize the flower in a simple or straightforward way. Ultimately, this multifaceted nature of the foxglove encourages readers to engage with the text on a deeper level, questioning their assumptions and exploring the various layers of meaning that could be found within.
Resources Used:
Fisher, Celia. The Medieval Flower Book. British Library, 2007.
Team, Morningbird & MS. “Foxglove: Folklore, Varieties, Healing & Magical Uses.” Magickal Spot, 8 Mar. 2023, https://magickalspot.com/foxglove/.
“The Folklore of Foxgloves.” Myth & Moor, 2 June 2019, https://www.terriwindling.com/blog/2019/06/foxgloves.html#:~:text=In%20the%20earliest%20recordings%20of,more%20negative%20symbol%20of%20insincerity.