165. The symbolism of their unembarrassed nakedness as innocence is highlighted by what followed, when their integrity and innocence deserted them. Then they blushed at their nakedness, which seemed like a disgrace to them, and that is why they hid.
Certain representative acts in the world of spirits also demonstrate that unembarrassed nudity symbolizes innocence. When spirits want to exonerate themselves and display their blamelessness, they show themselves naked, to testify to their innocence.
The strongest confirmation of this meaning is supplied by the innocent in heaven, who look like naked toddlers, wearing garlands that reflect their particular kind of innocence. Inhabitants with less innocence appear in beautiful, shimmery clothes — diamondlike silk, you might say — of a kind the prophets sometimes saw angels wearing. 1
Footnotes:
1. This mention of angels in bright clothing seen by Old Testament prophets is probably a reference to the visions of otherworldly human beings wearing linen seen by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 9:2, 3, 11; 10:2, 6-7) and Daniel (Daniel 10:5; 12:6-7); compare Revelation Explained (Swedenborg 1994-1997) §951:4. See also Heaven and Hell 180, 519. [JSR]
