"Nu ska vi hänga en ängel"

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis is to investigate the liturgical practice of giving a newly baptised person a memorial item, which is often at first hung in a so-called “baptism tree”. How are baptism trees used within the liturgy, and how do different priests interpret its role? The thesis bases its findings on in-depth interviews with four ministers, three observations of baptism, plus a questionnaire survey from ministers working in two different deaneries within the Church of Sweden. The aim is to analyse and discuss these findings in relation to liturgical theology, especially Gordon W. Lathrop’s theory of juxtaposition. My findings indicate that most parishes have a baptism tree or corresponding, hung with (for instance) angels, leaves, water drops or stars. The interviewees’ practices and interpretations show some variation, local and/or individual, although there are also numerous similarities. The items on the tree may be Christian symbols (fish, angels), or may relate to local traditions or geography (fishing nets, water drops, leaves). The conclusion reached by this thesis is that the practice involving baptism trees hung with memorial items bearing the name and date of the person baptised can be interpreted, using the theory of juxtaposition, as being aimed to lead to a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, and of life.