He was... as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense-tree in the time of summer.
Ecclesiasticus 50:8
Jesus, son of Sirach, was a poet who wrote these words from Jewish-Greek literature of Alexandria. They are spoken about Simon the high priest. This lily by the waters is known today as the iris. It grows only twelve inches high, with unusual strap-like leaves hugging the stalk from root to flower. This erect plant keeps its place with deep roots that are quite hearty growing deep into river banks. Tides and floods have little effect on them. Most iris roots have a delicate odor.
In autumn they were lifted and dried in the shade, many of them to be placed in linen chests to add perfume. The women also threaded small pieces on long linen yarns to be hung among garments in the house. When steeped in wine the iris roots made a medicine that was believed to be a treatment for many illnesses. The Palestine iris is delicate in color, a soft lemon and slight orchid-blue shade. The Greek word for iris means rainbow.
See also Lilies of the field
You may email comments to angiewf@Bellsouth.net.
Get your own Free home page