29 West – Iris Bloom
Wilber E. Waite – Donor
The name “iris” is derived from the Greek word for rainbow. This is due to the fact that iris flowers come in nearly 300 species that vary widely in form and color. Iris flowers bloom in every color of the rainbow as well as pure white, lavender, pink and brown. Some are multi-colored. Others have a “beard” of fuzzy hairs at the base of the petal.
The fleur-de-lis, one of the most well-known of all symbols, is derived from the shape of the iris flower. Fleur-de-lis literally means “flower of the lily” (French).
Although the lily and iris are two different families of plants, this symbol is generally thought to be associated most closely with the iris. In the Middle Ages, the wild iris was referred to as “lies”, “leys” or “lis.”
The three petals of the iris flower mean faith, love and wisdom. These are viewed as central aspects of a balanced spiritual life. Ultimately, the concept of three forces united as one is a dominant theme in many world religions. In Buddhism, there are Three Jewels; in Hinduism there is a triad of three deities; and, in Christianity we have the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
See also 09 East – Fleur de Lis; and, 24 West – Lily.
I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. —Genesis 9:13