I grew up in a house where Good Friday was (is) sacred and a day of introspection.
For the last 10+ yrs, after moving to NYC, I have reduced the amount of rituals I used to practice during Easter. The fast -unstoppable pace in the city during this week makes it hard for me to connect with the meaning of this week, besides that the consumerism promoted in association with it also pushes me back.
I still try to make it to at least one mass…For me, the rituals created by every religion/belief around the world are very beautiful and special. Rituals create a non-spoken connection with others and with something rooted on a thought bigger than us. As Joseph Campbell said:
“A ritual is the enactment of a myth. And, by participating in the ritual, you are participating in the myth. And since myth is a projection of the depth wisdom of the psyche, by participating in a ritual, participating in the myth, you are being, as it were, put in accord with that wisdom, which is the wisdom that is inherent within you anyhow. Your consciousness is being re-minded of the wisdom of your own life.”
– Joseph Campbell
In architecture, sacred spaces, where the masses come to commune, are created with a well-defined intention. These places are intended to take you mentally away from your ‘ordinary’ life and move you to a place of contemplation and quietness, making you ready to listen with more attention to the words that are within you, and to focus on the conversation you expect to have with God.
Two of my favorite examples around the world are: Chartres Cathedral in France. (Picture above) and Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas (picture below).
Wishing you a good Easter! and thank you for being here.
Xo,
Dinorah