The blue colour of the naturesque iris representation symbolises immaculate motherhood. Also, it is often meant to be a substitute of the dagger in the Virgin's heart, appearing on representations of The seven pains of Mary, so that it refers to her pain. Sometimes it is used as a reference to St. John the Baptist who, like a rainbow, forms a bridge between the Old and New Testament.

The plant's characteristic air-roots, which have been used to produce medicines and baljams since antiquity, re-appeared after the restoration of the picture.