Giacomo Bosio described the passion flower and its symbolism in detail (along with his own drawing) in his work “Triomphante e gloriose Croce”, published in 1610. Photo: Wikimedia
Five stamens with anthers identify the five wounds inflicted on Jesus. Photo: DPA/PAP
The frayed coverlet may symbolise the crown of thorns. Photo DPA/PAP
In the high neck of the floral pistil, we see the main symbol – the pole of the cross. Photo: Nessuna fonte leggibile automaticamente. Presunta opera propria (secondo quanto affermano i diritti d'autore), CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1148190.
The tripartite birthmark of the pillar is reminiscent of the three nails with which the Saviour was nailed to the cross. Photo: FRANZISKA KRAUFMANN/DPA/PAP.
The ten petals and sepals of the chalice represent the ten loyal apostles. Photo DPA/PAP
The alternate leaves, which are both oval and palmate, are symbols of the executioner’s sword and hands. Photo DPA/PAP
Passiflora, the most magnificent of religious symbols