 Purple Heart Nightgown © 1999 Ginger Henry Geyer glazed porcelain with mother-of-pearl overglaze 2½" x 12½" x 13" This piece came straight from a dream full of color symbolism. The dream felt significant because it featured two of my favorite things: an old nightgown that I wore when pregnant, and the color purple. In biblical times purple symbolized power and wealth of the royalty because purple dye was so expensive. It also is deeply associated with spirituality, especially sorrow and penitence…and preparation (therefore it is the liturgical color for Advent and Lent). Violet, a variation of purple, connotes love and truth, especially due to suffering. In many cultures, white symbolizes purity, light, and the absence of darkness. In the dream I received a new gown but immediately decided to dye it purple. (Some purple scriptures: Acts 16:14, Proverbs 31:22, Daniel 5:7, Song of Solomon 7:5, John 19:2) Your soft gift of the old nightgown white lawn and full with child and time enfolded afresh an advent waiting for the scent of laurel Wounded in action I put away the milk unbutton my heart and dye for courage Purity passes to purple in the best of dreams |