Flowering the cross is a Western Christian tradition practiced at the arrival of Easter, in which worshippers place flowers on the bare wooden cross that was used in the Good Friday liturgy, in order to symbolize "the new life that emerges from Jesus’s death on Good Friday".[1][2][3] The result is a flowered cross that is set near the chancel for Eastertide.[4][5]
History
The Christian custom of flowering the cross dates back to the sixth century.[2] It symbolizes, in Christianity, "the new life that emerges from Jesus’s death on Good Friday" as well as how "God turns darkness to light, sin into salvation."[2][4] Additionally, the practice may originate in the pious belief "that the tears Mary shed at the foot of Jesus’ cross miraculously turned into flowers."[1]
Practice
Certain congregations of many Western Christian denominations, such as the Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican churches, observe Good Friday by placing a bare wooden cross before the entrance of the chancel for worshippers to venerate during the liturgy.[6][7][8] It is common for people to kneel before, touch, and kiss the cross in order to give "the highest honor to our Lord's cross as the instrument of our salvation".[9]
In congregations where flowering the cross is practiced, after the Easter Vigil which commences in the evening of Holy Saturday church members place fresh flowers on the bare cross that was used on Good Friday in order to adorn it as Eastertide has arrived.[1][7] These flowers are brought from people's homes and gardens as an offering to Jesus, though others may get flowers from a florist and bring them to the church.[7][10] Some churches place lattice, such as chicken wire on the cross, in order to allow for facile placement of the flowers.[7] While placing the flowers on the cross, it is customary for Christians to say a silent prayer.[3] On Easter Sunday and throughout the season of Eastertide, the cross stands in a visible location near the chancel as a symbol of the risen Christ for congregants to see.[7][5]
^ abcWynne, Sharon Kennedy (12 April 2020). "Easter morning amid coronavirus: Distant, but together". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 10 April 2023. The "flowering of the cross" is a church tradition that has been traced back to the sixth century as a striking way "to symbolize the new life that emerges from Jesus's death on Good Friday."
^ ab"The Flowering of the Cross". First Global Methodist Church of Forney. 19 March 2021. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023. The flowering of the cross represents the transition from Good Friday to Easter, from meditation on Jesus' death to joyful celebration of his resurrection. The ceremony transforms a barren cross, a reminder of Jesus' death, into an Easter symbol. This year, as you come to Easter Sunday Service, pause by the cross, say a short prayer and add some flowers to it. You can bring flowers from your garden, your favorites that you purchased, or you can place flowers provided by the church.
^ ab"Flowering the Cross". International Anglican Church. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2023. During the sixth century, art began to appear that took the Cross, this icon of the torture and death of our God, and let it burst into life. Flowered crosses blossomed into Church tradition as a way to represent the way God turns darkness to light, sin into salvation. What we make ugly, Christ makes beautiful.
^ ab"The Flowering of the Cross". Trinity Episcopal Church. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2023. The entire cross is covered with flowers and is placed prominently at the front of the church to symbolize the new life in our risen Lord to all the worshippers present on Easter Sunday morning.
^"Veneration of the Cross". The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. 2021. The custom was restored in the 1979 BCP (p. 281), in which a wooden cross may be brought into the church and placed in the sight of the people. Following this the people may sing the Good Friday anthems and the hymn "Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle" (Hymns 165-166).
^ abcde"First Lutheran announces Holy Week services". 29 March 2023. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Good Friday evening Tenebrae service will begin at 7 p.m. The service is especially meaningful and moving for Christians. Worshipers will have the opportunity to literally nail their confession or requests to the wooden cross in the Sanctuary. The Vigil of Easter Service will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Assisting Reid will be invited area pastors including: Pastor Thomas Darr, Christ Lutheran Church, Vienna; Pastor Carolyn Mash, Elizabeth United Methodist Church; and Pastor Shauna Hyde, Christ United Methodist Church, Lauckport. Following the Saturday Vigil the wooden cross in front of the church at the entrance to the sanctuary will be decorated with flowers. This is a long-standing tradition which invites all to bring fresh flowers and participate in the decorating of the cross. The flower-bedecked cross will stand in front of the church to celebrate Christ's victory on Easter morning.
^The United Methodist Book of Worship: Regular Edition Black. United Methodist Publishing House. 2016. p. 363. ISBN978-1426735004. ...a plain wooden cross may now be brought into the church and placed in the sight of the people. ... During Silent Meditation and The Reproaches, persons may be invited to come forward informally to kneel briefly before the cross or touch it.
^"Flowering the cross". Epic Church of Hanford. 2 April 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2023. If your garden is in bloom, bringing cut flowers from home can be a wonderful offering in honor of the risen Lord, and can also provide an opportunity for families to talk about the meaning of the cross and the resurrection. If you don't have flowers at home, most grocery stores have small bouquets available at a reasonable price to select as a family and bring as a sacrifice of praise.
