I Jungfru Marias fotspår: från medeltidens Hortus Conclusus till nutida Mariaträdgårdar

Abstract

Mary Gardens represent a connection between Christian tradition and religious devotion through plant symbolism. In Sweden, as many as 60 plant names are associated with the Virgin Mary, reflecting a Marian tradition that persisted well beyond the Reformation. This includes plants such as Our Lady’s Keys (Primula veris) and Our Lady’s Tears (Convallaria majalis), both of which hold religious significance through folklore and liturgy. Although Virgin Marys connection to nature and flowers are primarily linked to Catholic traditions, their influence per sisted in Sweden even after the Reformation. Despite Sweden’s Protestant identity since the 16th century, Marian plant symbolism remained embedded in folklore and everyday plant names, suggesting that botanical devotion to the Virgin Mary was deeply rooted in cultural memory rather than institutionalised religious practice. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the historical and contemporary relevance of Mary Gardens in Sweden. It explores whether Mary Gardens have existed as physical spaces through out history or if they primarily represent an idealized concept found in medieval art, literature, and hymns. Furthermore, the study investigates how modern interpretations of Mary Gardens relate to and are influenced by historical traditions and religious symbolism. This study is based on a combination of literary and historical analysis, utilising both primary sources such as medieval texts and visual depictions, as well as secondary literature on Marian symbolism and historical botany. Particular attention is given to the name and visual represen tations of Jungfru Marie Örtagård (The Virgin Mary’s Herb Garden) as well as other historical references. The concept of hortus conclusus—the enclosed garden—serves as a central meta phor for Mary’s purity and divine fertility and is analysed through its depictions in medieval and Renaissance art and hymns. The findings suggest that while there is limited historical evidence for physical Mary Gardens in Sweden, Marian botanical symbolism was deeply embedded in religious and cultural tradi tions. Additionally, the shift towards scientific plant nomenclature during the Enlightenment, particularly through figures like Carl von Linné, contributed to the decline of religious plant names. However, many of these names persisted in oral traditions. While the study highlights the cultural significance of Marian plant symbolism, the lack of preserved physical evidence for Mary Gardens in Sweden poses interpretative challenges. Fur ther research could explore how oral traditions and regional plant naming practices have pre served elements of this tradition outside institutional religious settings. This thesis contributes to the understanding of Mary Gardens as both a historical and living cultural phenomenon, demonstrating how Swedish traditions are intertwined with the broader European Christian heritage while also exhibiting distinct local adaptations. Understanding the historical and cultural dimensions of Mary Gardens contributes to broader discussions on the relationship between religion, landscape, and folk traditions. As interest in historical gardens and sacred landscapes grows, further research could explore how religious plant symbolism has influenced modern garden practices, including the revival of Mary Gardens in contemporary Sweden. This study provides a foundation for such inquiries by tracing the historical trajectory of Marian botanical traditions and their cultural significance.