The Catholic Church observes a marked change in church decorations during Lent, with flowers removed from altars and interiors, according to an article published on Mar. 10. This tradition was evident during Pope Leo XIV’s recent pastoral visits to parishes in Rome, where vibrant floral displays before Lent gave way to bare altars after Ash Wednesday.
The absence of flowers is part of the Church’s penitential practices for Lent, emphasizing simplicity and reflection. Micaela Soranzo, a professor and expert in liturgy and religious architecture, said, “Using flowers is absolutely forbidden” during this season. However, she explained that greenery such as small plants or arrangements of leaves and branches are allowed.
Soranzo noted that fruit and berries can be used throughout the year, with cherries being especially appropriate for Lent due to their symbolic connection to Christ’s passion. She also highlighted that a modest display of flowers is permitted on Laetare Sunday—the fourth Sunday of Lent—when vestments change color as a sign of approaching Easter joy.
On Easter day itself, churches experience what Soranzo described as an “explosion of flowers,” primarily in yellow and white hues to symbolize new life and light. She emphasized that floral arrangements should enhance the liturgy by drawing attention to key elements like the altar, ambo, and baptismal font without overshadowing them: “Flowers are meant to be an integral part of the liturgy,” she said, “not filler.”
Guidelines from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal reinforce these principles by outlining proper use of floral decoration so as not to detract from sacred spaces or furnishings. Soranzo advised against placing potted plants near altars or using artificial flowers; only cut flowers should be used as symbols of life offered in sacrifice.
She also addressed concerns about cost among parish workers by encouraging creativity with local resources: “Often simplicity is what makes a composition more beautiful,” she said. The goal remains creating a welcoming space where visitors feel at home: “It has to feel welcoming and flowers help do that.”
