SACRED
ANDRÉ DURAND Twenty-First Century Paintings
In John KJV 20:12 is the twelfth verse of the twentieth chapter of the Gospel of John . Mary Magdalene is peering into the empty tomb of Jesus and sees two angels:
And seeth two angels in white sitting (in my Resurrection at Durdle Door flying off-transcending), the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
John 20:3–4 KJV
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
are the third and fourth verses of the twentieth chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Peter and the Beloved Disciple have been informed by Mary Magdalene that Jesus’ tomb has been opened and in these verses they depart for the tomb.
3: Peter therefore went forth, and that other
disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4: So they ran both together: and the other disciple
did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
The gorse, also known as furze, is a large and spiny evergreen-type tree that features sweetly-scented yellow flowers year-round. Although it grows in many places, it is particularly present and admired in Ireland. Ancient Celtic people were highly spiritual and took inspiration and wisdom from all that surrounded them in nature. Druids, too, were very soulful beings and dedicated much of their lives to investigating and understanding spiritual messages that were presented by nature, especially when considering plants.
The gorse tree, or more accurately “shrub”, was seen as a symbol of light and vibrancy, obviously due to its physical appearance. It was strongly associated with the sun , again due to its bright yellow color. Beltane bonfires were fuelled by the sacred gorse in ancient Celtic tradition, as well.
This was fitting for two reasons: the vibrant yellow shade of its flowers and the association with the god of light, Lugh. The canary flowers that begin to open during the spring season were also indicative of the happiness that can prevail year-round. This was so even during times of cold and seeming lifelessness, as many types of gorse keep their flowers no matter what the season.
Essentially, the colour scheme in the Resurrection is red, blue and yellow, the three primary colours that are symbolic of the Trinity.