Catholic Stations of the Cross Art Projects for 1st Grade
The Catholic faith believes that Jesus Christ died on a cross for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead to reign eternally as a king of peace in heaven. The Stations of the Cross are visual representations of the journey Christ made on his way to death. First grade art projects depicting the Stations of the Cross can be completed in Sunday school, church or a child's home.
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Fourteen Stations
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Children can paint or draw pictures depicting the 14 distinct Stations of the Cross. The first station begins with Christ being condemned to death and ends with the Messiah being placed into his tomb. The middle twelve stations symbolize Christ's encounter with the cross; him dragging it to the spot where he will be crucified and the actual process of death.
Crown of Thorns
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According to Biblical writing, Christ was made to wear a crown of thorns on his head while dragging the cross on his back and going through the actual crucifixion. Children may use craft materials -- including sticks, pipe cleaners, etc. -- to construct a model of the crown of thorns. The crown represented the impurity, dishonesty and iconoclasm Christ's persecutors accused him of preaching prior to his death.
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Robe and Cross
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Christ wore only a tattered robe on his body when dragging the cross to his place of execution. The cross he carried with him was slung over his back and shoulder. The cross became the universal Christian symbol of the eternal love and sacrifice Christ shared with mankind. The robe was placed in the tomb with Christ upon his burial. First graders may make replicas of the robe and cross using a variety of art materials, including: sheet fabric, cardboard, wood, glue and paint. Children may work individually or in groups to complete the replicas.
Stained Glass
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Historically, the Catholic Church used stained glass visual representations to tell the story of the Stations of the Cross to illiterate masses attending church. Today, stained glass visual art remains a hallmark of Catholic cathedrals. Allowing children to paint small glass representations of the Stations of the Cross offers them the opportunity to complete the art project and to display them on a door, wall, window or Christmas tree in their bedroom or in the home.
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References
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