“Faith & Form remains one of the singular professional publications dedicated solely to discussions of liturgical architecture and art in the United States. In an age of ubiquitous digital media, nebulous opinion, and piecemeal conversations, Faith & Form provides a needed and rare hard-copy and editorially-driven presentation. Indeed, this guidance that professional sources provide regarding liturgical art and architecture is needed more than ever in the United States.”James Hadley, on praytellblog.com. See his full article here.

TOP 5 Web Ad Banner

Make your tax-deductible donation to Faith & Form!

Make your tax-free contribution to Faith & Form

Since 1967, Faith & Form has provided an interfaith forum for those working in religious arts and architecture to learn, discuss and honor work from all faiths. Betty Meyer served as Faith & Form’s editor from 1980 until 2001 and as editor emeritus until her passing in 2012; Betty believed that thoughtful dialog creates meaningful religious art and architecture. Donations to the Betty Meyer Fund assist Faith & Form, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, in fulfilling and continuing our mission to provide and exchange knowledge, insight and creativity among those who create and use religious art and architecture. Please use our online donation form to make your contribution today!
Note: Your contribution may be tax deductible per IRS regulations, please consult your tax advisor. 

Spring as a Metaphor in Calendars of Faith

As the Earth’s southern hemisphere hastens its advance into Fall, with days becoming shorter and cooler, in the northern hemisphere we emerge from the deep freeze of Winter into the thaw of Spring, the season associated with rebirth. It is no coincidence that this is also the point that Christians emerge from the Lenten season into the warmth of Easter; Jews remember the exodus from the death-grip of Egypt, moving over a threshold similar to that of Winter into Spring. Nature provides numerous metaphors in various faith communities for the passage from one season into another. For instance, Passiflora, the “Passion” or Pasque Flower, takes its name from the French time of Easter, or “Pâques.” The word is similar to the Hebrew, “Pesach,” which means Passover, and is a clear reflection in the Abrahamic tradition of the connection between Easter, the resurrection of Christ and redemption from sin, and Passover, the freedom of the Jews from persecution by the Egyptians. That they would be celebrated in this season, with other observations of new life and resurrection, is not surprising. Some faith traditions and cultures celebrate with parties for Nowruz and Navroz, marking the new year in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, with wishes of peace and forgiveness. India and Nepal celebrate Holi, the Spring festival of colors, offering hopes for rebirth, growth, and renewal. The bright colors and frivolity offer a gracious opportunity to forget old wounds and extend lightness for positive new beginnings. In Japan, Hanami or Umemi festivals celebrate Spring with viewing the extraordinary beauty of cherry and plum … [Read More...]