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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A Lenten Tablescape

Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 22nd this year which marks the beginning of Lent.  I've always wanted to create a tablescape with this theme in mind but wasn't sure how to go about it.  Lent is not a season that one usually "decorates" for and in fact, often, decorations are removed from churches/homes.

I couldn't find very many suggestions on the internet but while searching through some items around my home, I came up with the idea to use everyday pieces to symbolize the events that we remember during Lent. 
Let me take you on a "tour" of the table and explain what each item symbolizes.

Below are faux leaves/grasses which represent the palm branches which were waved to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. 


Below, the rooster symbolizes the following 
bible verse 
"Before the Rooster crows, you will have denied me three times" (Peter denies knowledge of Jesus) Matthew 26:34



This Bible is open to the same chapter (Matthew 26) which depicts Peter's denial of Jesus.


These gold coins by the cross represent the "30 pieces of silver" Judas received for betraying Jesus.


This weathered cross reminds us of Christ's crucifixion.  The wheat and grapes symbolize the bread and wine of communion which Jesus instituted during The Last Supper.


This Lenten place setting includes a red napkin to remind us of  the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross. The clear glass plate has a grape pattern etched on it again, reminding us of the institution of wine = blood in communion.


Beside each place setting, I've placed a purple (the colour of Lent) compote filled with water (reminds us of Baptism) and a rose candle (Jesus is often referred to as "The Rose")


Pussywillow branches symbolize the promise of new life we have in the Resurrection of Jesus which we will celebrate at the end of Lent at Easter.

A trio of candles to represent Father, Son & Holy Ghost are filled with purple (the colour of Lent) beads and grass leaves.

The candlelight reminds us that Jesus came to be "a light to the world"

Another look at the items altogether...

 And some evening views...

A black tablecloth is used to depict the somber tone of Lent. Purple is the colour of Lent and napkins in this shade are placed under the centerpiece.


I hope and pray that these Lenten tablescape "symbols" might provide a "refresher" on some of the events we reflect on during this season. 
May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care during this season of self-examination and repentance (some include "fasting" and for me that will be giving up ALL desserts/sweets - so hard for me!)


I'll be linking this post to these terrific blog parties this week.
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesday at Savy Southern Style 
Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.  
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home  
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

26 comments:

  1. Thank You for this beautiful tablescape. You can tell a lot of thought and research went into this. I learned a lot from this..I plan to go to services tonight at our church. I knew about the purple cloth being used and the ashes that are put on one's forehead but I will be honest I didn't know about all the other symbols..This was very touching. Thank You for doing it. God bless you!

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  2. What a beautiful and truly symbolic tablescape! What a gift you have to be able to create it! Beautiful simply beautiful!

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  3. Oh what a beautiful and meaningful tablescape. Everything is so perfect and you have definitely reflected on this for a while. I am so impressed, it is perfect. Thanks for such inspiration. Hugs, Marty

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  4. You've done such a beautiful, thoughtful design. The elements all work together perfectly. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  5. Thank you for sharing your unique table scape idea with us.....it is beautiful and so thoughtful.

    Karin

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  6. That is lovely! Loved all the symbolism. A blessed Lent to you!

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  7. Very beautiful..the symbols behing each object and the meaning..

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  8. You have truly captured the essence of the lent season.
    Thank you our kids just loved it....
    God Be With You.....

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  9. What a beautifully symbolic table, perfect for this time of year, pulling together all of the symbols of our Savior's atonement and resurrection in a beautiful way! I love the wheat. It adds such a great touch and softens the table. I am sure your family just loved this. This would be a fun tradition before Easter whether you celebrate Lent or not as it would teach the children!

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  10. This is absolutely beautiful. Not just from a visual perspective, but in a truly meaningful and instructive way. The crowing cock, the rose candles, the napkin symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ...your creative side just needs to take a big ol' bow for this one!!!

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  11. Oh, my! This is wonderful. You managed to combine so many things in such a lovely table arrangement. That's not easy to do. I adore this one. You spent a great deal of time on this one. And - i've never seen it down anywhere, on the net or in real life. Hats off to you!

    Oh, one more thing. Have a blessed 40 days.

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  12. Such a very creative and inspiring table! Beautifully done.

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  13. Well Done!

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  14. So pretty with such meaning-I'm your newest follower-stop by for a visit!

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  15. God Bless You! Very creative and much appreciated! I think that's why we have St. Patrick to add some green to our Lent Season as well. Too many people forget St. Patrick during Lent is about the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit (clover) not about alcohol.
    Just nice to see Lent and symbolism!

    Karyl

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  16. Oh my!! That is beautiful and soooo perfect for Lent! You are most amazing..I could just transfer the entire setting to the altar at my church and it would be perfectly acceptable!!
    Thank you so much for posting this and for reminding everyone that Lent is so much more than our worldly friends would have us note.
    Blessings to you,
    J

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  17. As I read the title of your post, I thought, now how is she going to do that? And started thinking, I don't know that I've ever heard of decorating for Lent. I'm so impressed with your inspiration and results! Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  18. You have gone a great job depicting a table for Lent.

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  19. Beautiful job! You have put so much thought into every item on the table! It looks so wonderful! I especially love the pussy willow and the Bible is such a nice touch! Wishing you a wonderful week! Angie xo

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  20. I do not partipate in Lent since that's not party of my religion, but I am am a believer. I like seeing how you took the important message of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and honored it in an every day way that we can all appreciate. You did a wonderful job with your representations.

    Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and enjoying my spring tablescape too. Have a great week.

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  21. That is absolutely amazing!!! You are "Sharing His love by telling all that the Lord has done" to paraphrase a beautiful hymn!
    Thank you so much for the time and talent to prepare this table to bless each of us!
    J

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  22. Oh my sweet Lord!
    This is amazing indeed. I am a devout Catholic so I really enjoyed this lovely Lent inspiration and all the symbols behind each decoration. Thank you so much dear friend. Thank you for your kindness to share Christ the Lord's message thru your table décor for us.
    Blessings to you this Lent Season.
    FABBY

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  23. Lori, Hello! I just started following you and I've been going back through your beautiful tablescapes. Your Lenten one is one of my favorites. I too am a Catholic and love the symbolism that you've brought into it. I was hoping you'd tell me where you found the beautiful cross that you used. Thanks! Laura

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    1. Thanks so much Laura for your kind comment! I'm actually Lutheran but I think the symbolism is representative of both our faiths. I got that cross many years ago at a Dollar Store - they had 2 different styles and I got 2 of each. Sorry I couldn't help you more. Thanks for stopping by!

      Lori, Dining Delight

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  24. Such a be a beautiful, table it does represent all stages thru Lent. If need more ideas just refuse to the Stations of the Cross and as you go thru the station you will get more ideas as I did. Thank you.

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