Viriditas is a Latin word that means "greenness" and is associated with the idea of vitality, growth, and spiritual and physical health. Hildegard von Bingen, a mystic and abbess, used the term to symbolize the divine nature and the Divine Word. She believed that the greening power of viriditas was a creative force that was present in all life and that it called people to be co-creators with God.
Hildegard of Bingen described viriditas:
- Healing powerHildegard believed that the greening power of plants could heal people, and that eating healing plants could transfer this power to humans.
- A reminder of interconnectednessHildegard believed that eating was a daily way to stay vital and connected to nature.
- A call to compassionHildegard believed that viriditas could moisten and open the hearts of even the most hardened people, calling forth compassion.
- A symbol of renewal
Hildegard believed that viriditas was a symbol of renewal, similar to how nature renews itself in the spring.