A crown of thorns can be combined with other items to make a number of different arrangements for Easter decorations around the church. Here it is combined with a large stone and a white cloth to represent the resurrection.
In this arrangement, the crown of thorns is combined with a scourge and cross to represent Jesus’ death, a woven cloth representing the temple curtain that was torn from top to bottom to symbolize being allowed to come into the presence of God without an arbitrator, and flowers to represent new life in Christ.
This time the crown of thorns is hung like a wreath, and decorated with a manger to represent Jesus’ birth, the crown of thorns represents his death, the white cloth represents his resurrection, and the brass horn represents his second coming.
Add candles to a crown of thorns and it becomes an Easter wreath akin to the Christmas advent wreath. You can even light a new candle each week, and use purple candles to symbolize Jesus’ royalty, then change them to black to stand for his death the Sunday before Easter, and change them to white candles on Easter Sunday to celebrate his resurrection.
When hanging a crown of thorns on a cross, keep scale in mind. It should not be too big or too small in comparison to the cross. If it is large compared to the cross (bigger than the top piece), put it to the side, or behind the cross (as in the photo directly above this one.) If it is too small, find a different place to display it, such as a smaller cross.
Adding a white cloth and flowers to a crown of thorns makes a striking flower arrangement for the front of the church, or in the foyer where people can see it as they arrive at church. To make the flowers last longer, wrap the ends in a wet paper towel, and wrap that in tinfoil. Hide the ends with some of the white cloth. Another method is to put a small vial of water with a rubber stopper on the end of each stem. Some flowers are sold with these on them, so don’t throw them away--save them for Easter!
Easter Centerpieces > Easter Decorations for the Church How Decorate Using a Crown of Thorns
Easter Centerpieces > Easter Decorations for the Church How Decorate Using a Crown of Thorns
A crown of thorns symbolizes Jesus’ physical suffering just as the cross does. Combined or used separately, there as so many ways to use them for Easter decorations to keep Jesus’ death and resurrection front and center of our Easter celebrations. Here they are combined with a white cloth to represent Jesus’ resurrection, and flowers to represent the new life we have as a result.