MARY'S GOLD

The birthstone for the month of October is the opal. Just like each calendar month is identified with a gemstone, each month is also identified with a flower. The birth flower for the month of October is the marigold. And it reminds me of Jesus.

The reason is easy to understand. Early Christians in fact, called the marigold flower, “Mary’s Gold,” reminding us of Jesus’ earthly mother and that Jesus was God’s precious gift to humanity.

 

It also reminds us of the three gifts the magi brought when they came to worship infant Jesus. Gold, incense and myrrh. The marigold flower has therefore come to symbolize sacred affection and grace.

The marigold’s beautiful golden color, often tipped with rust, reminds us of a late-harvest, which still contains the last warmth of summer. Harvest itself reminds us of God’s harvest of souls, through Jesus.

 

Although there is often a second, alternative birth flower each month, the marigold is by far the most well-recognized of the two flowers for October, the second being the cosmos. The cosmos, too reminds me of Jesus, as it symbolizes peace, creation and wholeness and reminds us that God created the orderly, harmonious, structured universe—the cosmos.

Happy birthday to everyone born in the month of October.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for your beautiful creations that reflect your glory. Help us to remember you, Jesus, whenever we see a marigold, and to thank you for becoming human for our sake. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Have you ever lined your garden with the delightful, sturdy marigold?

For my posts about other birth flowers, please see: June (roses); July (larkspurs and lillies); August (gladiolas and poppies); and September (asters and morning glories).