Size: 54Ó X 84Ó
Shape: Rectangle
Artist: Peggy Normandin
There is a rhythmic progression of color from purple, moving left, to black. Purple is used to symbolize royalty since the important secular leaders wore vestments of purple. Reddish purples remind people of the blood shed by their king. In this way purple came to be the choice for Lent. Black is used to symbolize death and grief, and is used for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
On the right side of the quilt there is a bright area of white. White originates in undiminished light, and therefore implies the eternal presence of God. By extension it also symbolized heaven, purity, lordship, joy, glory, and celebration. Within this area of white, you find a large Latin Cross in silver metallic. I choose the Latin Cross because it is the traditional symbol of JesusÕ crucifixion. In front of the cross is an area enclosed to represent ChristÕs tomb, a cave. Inside the tomb we see an angel, GodÕs messenger who announces the empty tomb to the women.
In the border of the quilt we find palm branches in each of the four corners. As Christ made his ÒTriumphant EntryÓ into Jerusalem on the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday, riding an ass, his followers spread palm branches on the road. The palm symbolizes life and victory. The tree of life from paradise has been thought by some to have been a palm tree. Palm branches have also been known to be waved at victorious heroes.
In the bottom of the border you will find a basin and towel. Following the Last Supper, Jesus ties a towel around his waist and takes a basin of water and begins to wash each of the disciplesÕ feet. Jesus was their master, but he was performing the task of a slave. He later told them that no one should fail to do the lowliest of tasks for people in need. The basin and towel are to show the humility.
You will also find in the top border a crown of thorns. During the crucifixion the soldiers placed a crown of thorns of JesusÕ head, making fun of him, proclaiming him the King of the Jews. ÒSee, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down: Did eÕer such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown. Because of their troublesome nature thorns are used to symbolize sin and toil.