Marigold Stone Research Paper

The Marigold Stone is one of many expertly engraved high crosses throughout Ireland. Its engravings represent the Christen faith and the growing popularity of Christianity in Ireland. Its carvings teach a lesson of Christ himself and how he is portrayed in the Christen Faith.
In the fourth century Christianity started to become more popular in Ireland as a natural development from the Roman world. As the centuries went on the Church became a monastic one. This was a result of an influence that came from the east of Europe such as Egypt. The Church popularity grew immensely and monasteries became important centres for practicing Christens. …show more content…
This rope may be representation of the Sacred vine. As these very detailed rope are expertly twisted, it is possible they represent more than just the sacred vine. They may hold a certain gem or a fruit which would be associated with the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life in Christianity represents a being without original sin. By looking at the iconology of the Marigold Stone, it is clear the church greatly associated with the Tree of Life The person who carved the Marigold Stone may have been influenced by the Palestinians. These realistic vines wrapped their way around the bottom of the stone and reached up to the shaft of the stone. The ropes are constantly intertwining without breaking which is a particular illustration of the Tree of Life. The lopes may also represent the blood of Christ following the crucifixion. His blood has been planted in the soil which the slab stands. This represents the nourishing of the blood of Christ and his Resurrection. The blood and body of Christ represent the Tree of Life. The same style could be said for the west side of the Marigold stone. However instead of Christ at the top of the cross, it is the encircled marigold. As the marigold has seven points it may represent more than just an important symbol to the Christen community. Each point could represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit or the seven words spoken by Christ at the cross. The Marigold Stone also feature the Anastatsis plant. It is also known as the resurrection plant. After a raining season the plant dries up and drops it leaves. It curls up into a