Crown of Thorns

About the Crown of Thorns

The Crown of Thorns is a sacred relic now housed in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. It’s believed to be the very crown of thorny branches placed on Jesus’ head during His Passion, before He died on the cross to save us. This holy treasure has been cherished by Christians for centuries as a sign of His deep love and sacrifice. People visit Notre-Dame to pray near it, feeling close to Jesus, our Savior, who wore it for our sake. It’s kept safe in a special case, a gift that touches hearts with its story.

Its Appearance

The Crown of Thorns looks like a rough circle made of dried, prickly branches, woven together long ago. Tradition says Roman soldiers made it to mock Jesus, as written in the Bible (Matthew 27:29), but it became a symbol of His strength. Today, only parts remain—small fragments of the thorns and reeds—carefully preserved in a beautiful gold and glass reliquary, shaped like a ring to honor its original form. These pieces, though worn by time, still carry the power of His suffering, showing the marks of His love in every sharp point.

Its Journey

The Crown of Thorns was first honored in Jerusalem, where Jesus lived and died, until at least the 5th century. Early Christians there kept it safe, venerating it in churches near the Holy Sepulchre. By the 10th century, it was moved to Constantinople, the grand capital of the Byzantine Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey), stored in the imperial palace with other relics. In 1238, the Emperor of Constantinople, Baldwin II, faced hard times and sold it to King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis. In 1239, Louis brought it to Paris with great care, arriving after a journey by ship and land, welcomed with joy by the faithful. He finished building the Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning church with tall stained-glass windows, by 1248 to house it, and it stayed there for centuries. In 1806, after the French Revolution, it was moved to Notre-Dame Cathedral for safekeeping. On April 15, 2019, a terrible fire broke out in Notre-Dame, but firefighters risked their lives to rescue the Crown, saving it from the flames. Today, it rests in a secure place, still inspiring all who hear its story.

Its Meaning

This relic, with its thorny fragments, has been loved for over 1,500 years, a powerful sign of Jesus’ sacrifice. It shows how He accepted pain and shame to bring us forgiveness, turning a crown of mockery into one of glory. Kept in its golden case, it has traveled from Jerusalem to Paris, carried by faithful hands through time. It brings peace to those who see it, a reminder of His courage and the love that never ends. For believers, it’s a call to thank Jesus, to trust Him in hard times, and to feel His presence always near.

Timeline of the Crown of Thorns

• Before 5th Century: Honored in Jerusalem near where Jesus suffered.
• By 10th Century: Moved to Constantinople’s imperial palace.
• 1238: Sold by Emperor Baldwin II to King Louis IX of France.
• 1239: Arrives in Paris, France, after a long journey.
• 1248: Placed in the newly built Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
• 1250s onward: Venerated by pilgrims visiting Sainte-Chapelle.
• 1806: Transferred to Notre-Dame Cathedral after the Revolution.
• April 15, 2019: Saved from a fire at Notre-Dame by firefighters.
• Present Day: Kept safe in Paris, awaiting its next chapter.

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