Synliga men förbisedda: Perspektiv på altarblommornas teologi och praxis

Visible but Ignored: Perspectives on the Theology of Altar Flowers — Altar flowers tend to take a visible position in the church, their use determined by varying traditions. In another sense, however, they are ignored: there is no written theology of altar flowers. While the aims behind and reasons for resting flowers on the altar remain ultimately unclear, they are nevertheless said to symbolize a sacrificial offering as well as a reflection on the abundance of the Creation. So long as no explicit theology on altar flowers exists, their use is haphazard. This is problematic, as they are, after all, placed on the most holy of places. Furthermore, ethical issues concerning the production of altar flowers have yet to be discussed in Finland. The aim of this article is thus to map out historical, biblical, practical, and ethical perspectives that come into play when developing a systematic theology of altar flowers.