Bud is the baptism tree of the renovated Lauttasaari church. It is hand carved from birch plywood. 40 brass “buds” are attached to the tree, symbolizing the 40 days after the babtism of Jesus in the desert. Ribbons are attached to the buds with the names of the children baptized as members of the congregation. Thus, the buds also symbolize the beginning of a new life.
There are two parts to Bud. In addition to the actual baptism tree, the work includes a bench that makes it easier to tie the ribbons to the top branches of the tree. The bench is also made of birch plywood, and that too is hand-carved.