Crown of Thorns

What is crown of thorns?

The term “crown of thorns” refers to two distinct subjects: a religious relic and a flowering plant.

The Religious Relic

The Crown of Thorns is a wreath of thorns historically associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to biblical accounts, Roman soldiers placed the wreath on his head to mock his title, “King of the Jews”. A relic purported to be this crown was moved from Jerusalem to Constantinople and later brought to Paris by King Louis IX in the 13th century. These remains are currently housed in the treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral.¹²

The Plant

The crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a thorny perennial shrub native to Madagascar. It is a popular houseplant known for its stout gray thorns and clusters of small flowers surrounded by showy red, yellow, or deep red bracts. Its common name is derived from the biblical crown, with the red bracts symbolically representing blood. Note that the plant contains a white, poisonous sap that can cause skin and eye irritation.³⁴

What are some other famous religious relics?

Throughout history, various objects have been venerated as religious relics, particularly within Christianity and Buddhism. These items are often believed to provide a tangible connection to the divine or to holy figures.

Famous Christian Relics

• Shroud of Turin: A length of linen cloth bearing the faint image of a man, which many believe to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. It has been the subject of extensive scientific debate regarding its authenticity and age.⁵
• True Cross: Reputedly the wood from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. According to legend, it was discovered by St. Helena in the 4th century. Fragments of this relic have been distributed to churches and abbeys worldwide for centuries.⁶⁷
• Holy Grail: A legendary vessel, often identified as the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper and later used by Joseph of Arimathea to collect his blood. It became a central object of quest in Arthurian literature.⁸
• Veil of Veronica: A piece of fabric said to have been imprinted with the face of Christ during his walk to Golgotha.⁵

Famous Buddhist Relics

• Temple of the Tooth: Located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, this shrine houses what is believed to be the left canine tooth of the Buddha. It is one of the most significant corporeal relics in the Buddhist tradition.⁹
• Stupas: These commemorative mounds were originally built to house the cremated remains of the Buddha and his personal possessions, such as his alms bowl or staff, serving as major centers for pilgrimage.⁹

How do you properly care for a Euphorbia milii plant?

To properly care for a Euphorbia milii, also known as the crown of thorns, keep in mind that it is a hardy perennial native to Madagascar.

While the provided information focuses on the plant’s botanical characteristics, successful cultivation generally requires the following considerations:

• Light: As a sun-loving plant, it thrives in bright, direct light, which encourages year-round flowering.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings, as this plant is adapted to arid conditions and is susceptible to root rot if kept in waterlogged soil.
• Safety: Always handle the plant with care. It contains a white, milky sap that is poisonous and can cause significant skin and eye irritation. It is advisable to wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
• Environment: It is best suited as a houseplant in cooler regions or as a garden shrub in warm climates. Ensure it has well-draining soil to mimic its natural habitat.

What is the significance of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris?

The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is a masterpiece of the Gothic Rayonnant style, celebrated for its jewel-like architectural perfection and its extensive use of stained glass. Commissioned by Louis IX and consecrated in 1248, the chapel was built to serve as a royal reliquary, specifically designed to house precious acquisitions such as the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross.¹¹

Its significance lies in several key areas:

• Architectural Innovation: The upper chapel features 15 massive windows, each 50 feet high, which create a continuous wall of glass illustrating 1,134 biblical scenes. This design makes the walls appear to be made entirely of light, representing the most extensive narrative cycle ever produced in stained glass.¹¹¹²
• Historical Resilience: After falling into disuse and suffering damage during the French Revolution, the chapel became a focal point for 19th-century preservation efforts. Public advocacy led by figures like Victor Hugo resulted in a major restoration led by architects including Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc.¹¹