Lenten How-To: Create a Crown of Thorns for Your Home

[Michie]

It is a visceral reminder of Our Lord’s sufferings.

The fallen leaves crunched under my feet as I hiked through the woods at the edge of our property, searching for the hedgerow of trifoliate orange shrubs I desired to harvest. My eyes surveyed the thick underbrush endlessly to no avail. I was both startled and frustrated when my alarm for the noon-day Angelus peeled on my phone. Tempted to press snooze so that I could continue my search, I felt compelled to stop and surrender in prayer to the mystery of the Incarnation. Upon the utterance of “Amen,” I looked up. Within a few moments, I became aware of my being amid the exact trifoliate orange bramble that I had, for some time, been frantically searching for in preparation for Lent.

Foraging for flowers and vines provides a unique creative experience. Immersion in nature while within the creative process facilitates a beautiful space for God to break in. Little to no distractions diminish from being present and attentive. Though the senses are heightened in the pursuit, within there remains a stillness. It is in this recollection that we make space for God. My foraging hike was a reminder that, no matter the circumstance, God will fight for me, and I only need to surrender and be still (Exodus 14:14).

Continued below.

Lenten How-To: Create a Crown of Thorns for Your Home

It is a visceral reminder of Our Lord’s sufferings.

www.ncregister.com

 

[Michie]

I made a crown of thorns several years ago out of honey locust branches I found on my property. I still have it. They get these huge thorns on them. Making it was dangerous! Talk about a meditative experience just doing that. I still have it.

 

[RileyG]

I made a crown of thorns several years ago out of honey locust branches I found on my property. I still have it. They get these huge thorns on them. Making it was dangerous! Talk about a meditative experience just doing that. I still have it.

Wow! Is it in good condition? How did you preserve it?

 

[Michie]

Wow! Is it in good condition? How did you preserve it?

It’s locust wood. I’ll try to get a picture for you later.

 

[RileyG]

It’s locust wood. I’ll try to get a picture for you later.

Ah, I see. I was thinking of leaves and other materials for some odd reason. Shrug

 

[Michie]

It’s aged since then. The clip marks are brown now.

 

[RileyG]

View attachment 361944

It’s aged since then. The clip marks are brown now.

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Michie]

Here is the original thread. Still as sturdy as when I first made it. @Wolseley was advising me as I made it. 2017!

Found this walking in my woods. Appropriate for Holy Week

I think these are young Honey Locust. Notice the thorns? These thorns as an adult tree can get up to 12" long. These are about 2 to 3". I thought for Holy Week I would attempt to make a crown of thorns I can display yearly. Anyone attempt this without injuring themselves? Any tips appreciated...

www.christianforums.com

 

[RileyG]

Here is the original thread. Still as sturdy as when I first made it. @Wolseley was advising me as I made it. 2017!

Found this walking in my woods. Appropriate for Holy Week

I think these are young Honey Locust. Notice the thorns? These thorns as an adult tree can get up to 12" long. These are about 2 to 3". I thought for Holy Week I would attempt to make a crown of thorns I can display yearly. Anyone attempt this without injuring themselves? Any tips appreciated...

www.christianforums.com

Wow! Where do you keep it? I wouldn’t want to handle that with my bare hands! Very nice!

 

[Michie]

Wow! Where do you keep it? I wouldn’t want to handle that with my bare hands! Very nice!

I display it during lent with crushed purple velvet, a crucifix, etc. usually on the fireplace mantel.

 

[RileyG]

I display it during lent with crushed purple velvet, a crucifix, etc. usually in the fireplace mantel.

Ah, very nice!

 

[Wolseley]

Yeah, I still have mine, too....35 years later, and it's still just as prickly as ever. I remember a guy I was working with at the time said he wanted one, too, so I ended up making another one---with thick gloves on, natch!

 

[Michie]

Yeah, I still have mine, too....35 years later, and it's still just as prickly as ever. I remember a guy I was working with at the time said he wanted one, too, so I ended up making another one---with thick gloves on, natch!

That was my one and only. They are very hard to make!

 

[Wolseley]

That was my one and only. They are very hard to make!

Yes, they are. And once one of those thorns pokes you in the finger, it will throb for hours afterwards---I can attest! I am still very, very careful when I handle that thing even today.....it's not something to play with, and that's for sure!

 

[Michie]

Yes, they are. And once one of those thorns pokes you in the finger, it will throb for hours afterwards---I can attest! I am still very, very careful when I handle that thing even today.....it's not something to play with, and that's for sure!

Oh mine was stinging for a week. I used the dishwasher whenever possible.

 

[FaithT]

That was my one and only. They are very hard to make!

I could never be able to make one…..too clumsy and I’d give up too quickly.

 

[Michie]

I could never be able to make one…..too clumsy and I’d give up too quickly.

I about gave up a few times!