Do cacti have any symbolism?

[victrolatim]

While house sitting for a friend yesterday I decided to go to daily mass at the parish, conveniently, a block away. Upon entering I noticed something interesting. The church was teeming with potted cacti on every altar, corner, etc. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen this. The only thing I could think of was that either:

A) This had been a project for some type of retreat.
B) Cacti have some type of symbolism in the church I’m not aware of (Lenten maybe?)
C) Father has really taken a shine to desert plants.

I’ve been to this church many times before and never have seen a cactus before. Do the plants hold any symbolism in the Church? I am in upstate New York, so they definitely are not native to the area.

 

[SMHW]

The only thing I could think of was that either:

A) This had been a project for some type of retreat.
B) Cacti have some type of symbolism in the church I’m not aware of (Lenten maybe?)
C) Father has really taken a shine to desert plants.

I vote for B.

Of course that’s just a guess. As far as I know, cacti have no liturgical meaning; but they do suggest deserts and Lent is often identified with “desert experiences.”

 

[thistle]

While house sitting for a friend yesterday I decided to go to daily mass at the parish, conveniently, a block away. Upon entering I noticed something interesting. The church was teeming with potted cacti on every altar, corner, etc. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen this. The only thing I could think of was that either:

A) This had been a project for some type of retreat.
B) Cacti have some type of symbolism in the church I’m not aware of (Lenten maybe?)
C) Father has really taken a shine to desert plants.

I’ve been to this church many times before and never have seen a cactus before. Do the plants hold any symbolism in the Church? I am in upstate New York, so they definitely are not native to the area.

GIRM:

1. Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar.

During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this season, without expressing prematurely the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.** During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers.** Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), solemnities, and feasts are exceptions.

Floral decorations should always be done with moderation and placed around the altar rather than on its mensa.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I vote for B.

Of course that’s just a guess. As far as I know, cacti have no liturgical meaning; but they do suggest deserts and Lent is often identified with “desert experiences.”

I too am from Upstate NY, and this is quite common in my diocese, which is just east of Buffalo.
Even our Cathedral has a array of cacti in front of the altar.

I am not a huge fan of the desert decor, but it’s not my call.
I often wonder what happens to the poor plants, as they are not getting optimal growing conditions. My guess is that unless someone takes them, they get tossed. To me, that is a monumental waste of money and resources.

 

[TimothyH]

Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray.

The early desert fathers, the original monastics did the same thing for the same reason.

It isn’t too much of a stretch to see the connection.

-Tim-

 

[SMHW]

I often wonder what happens to the poor plants, as they are not getting optimal growing conditions. My guess is that unless someone takes them, they get tossed. To me, that is a monumental waste of money and resources.

Not to get too far off topic but I’m curious whether it is more common for parishes to decorate with cut flowers or flowering potted plants. But I think I will start a new thread about that.

 

[Stephen_says]

GIRM:

1. Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar.

During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this season, without expressing prematurely the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.** During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers.** Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), solemnities, and feasts are exceptions.

Floral decorations should always be done with moderation and placed around the altar rather than on its mensa.

A cactus is not technically a ‘flower’ . (Yes, I’m just being argumentative)

 

[SMHW]

A cactus is not technically a ‘flower’ . (Yes, I’m just being argumentative)

Well this begs another question.

Does the original Latin imply actual flowers (as in the reproductive part of plants) or does it refer more generally to living things that are classified as flora (as opposed to fauna)?

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Not to get too far off topic but I’m curious whether it is more common for parishes to decorate with cut flowers or flowering potted plants. But I think I will start a new thread about that.

At most of the parishes I know, potted plants are used. For Easter, it is usually a selection of various spring flowers- lilies, daffodils & tulips, etc. They are then offered to the people or are planted in the gardens on the church grounds.

At Christmas, again most of our poinsettias are also potted. Sadly, most of them end up in the garbage.

The only time I usually see purchased cut flowers or flower arrangements is when there has been a wedding or a funeral or for some special occasion.

At my parish, during the summer, many gardeners bring flowers from their gardens to place in vases near the tabernacle or by the altar.

 

[CB_Catholic]

A cactus is not technically a ‘flower’ . (Yes, I’m just being argumentative)

I think the point he was trying to make is that cactuses rarely flower, thus are suitable plants for Lent. He wasn’t saying a cactus was a flower.