The Story of Eidelweiss
Edelweiss is the tiny fragile flower that grows in elevations typically of 6,000 feet and higher in the Alps of Europe. Generally, the flower grows in the outcroppings of rock and soil in the Spring-time. Picking Edeweiss blossoms is a daunting and hazardous task. So fragile and rare, it was once illegal to pick these flowers in Germany.
Over centuries, the flower had become a symbol of the love and devotion of a man for a woman, in the culture of Alpine people, and by reason of deep love, a young man would earnestly endanger himself to collect Edelweiss from the crags and ledges of the mountains. If successful, he would place the flower in the lapel of his jacket, and return to town. To return to town with an Edelweiss flower in one’s jacket was a sign to all of a love stricken man.
On a mission to present his fragile Edelweiss flower (before it wilted) to his young lady was a sure sign of his bravery and devotion, and often a testimony of his desire to enter into a lifetime of marriage. Women were known to be smitten and overcome with emotion upon receiving the little flower of the Alps from a man filled with love.
Tragically many young men died from falls on such quests to to prove their love.
The flower became popularized by the Rogers and Hammerstein song, “Edelweiss,” in the play and movie: “The Sound of Music,” which is still a favorite film for our family. (Are you humming the tune right now???)
Two spiritual thoughts to ponder are being presented here.
- Christ Himself, has done the ultimate, by giving His life completely, out of love and devotion for you and me, His church, His bride. He desires to woo and win men and women with his selfless, sacrificial love. There can be no greater sacrifice than ever has been made!
- As believers, are we willing to go to hazard our lives because of our love for Christ?
Only when we realize and experience the love of Christ and what He has done, paying the ultimate price for the sins of the world, by dying on the cross, and purchasing our salvation – only then are we empowered and challenged to respond with a love and faith that “goes out on a limb.”
images: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gnaphalium_leontopodium_Atlas_Alpenflora.jpg
