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Responding to the group message, your comments and suggestions are welcome here (or you can send me a personal message). Thank you!
I think that one of the very interesting aspects of the season is that almost all traditions celebrate the time around the Winter Solstice with celebrations featuring light. And light is central to the creation of two and three dimensional art. So maybe, one of the themes we can look at is that of light (think of the inner light in many Western nativity scenes).These have a spiritual or psychological aspect of symbolizing finding an inner light when the outward world is in darkness.
Interestingly enough, the one founder or prophet of a world religion who, according to some traditions was an artist, Mani, used the contrast between light and darkness to symbolize that between good and evil.
Here's some info from various sources. (I've copped some passages verbatim.)
Hinduism:
Diwali, meaning array of lights, is a Hindu light festival. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. It is one of the most important celebrations in India.
Although it was originally a Hindu celebration, Diwali is now enjoyed by people of every religion in India. It is a family celebration which takes place in October or November and lasts for five days.
This festival of lights celebrates the victory of good over evil and the glory of light. Commemorating Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing a 14-year exile, people decorate their homes, light thousands of lamps and give out sweets. There are fireworks in the streets.
Wiccan, Druid, or Germanic/Celtic-Pagan: Yule log: origins are obscure, also called Y Bloccyn Gwylian, Yeel Carline (meaning "the Christmas Old Wife") Bloc na Nollaig...Originally an entire tree, which was gradually inserted into the fireplace as it burned.
Christianity: Advent candles, Christmas lights, and of course yule logs (the Gaelic Bloc na Nollaig means "Christmas block (log)"). In France, in Quebec and in Lebanon, the Bûche de Noël ("christmas log") is a traditional dessert, in origin a facsimile of the actual yule log. In Christian tradition, Jesus is the Light of the World. Many Christians in Egypt belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Christmas is celebrated on January 6th and 7th. The churches have always been decorated with special lamps and candles. Copts also give candles to the poor. They represent the candles Joseph used to protect Mary with when Jesus was born. The Philippines is the only country in Asia that is predominately Christian. This festival of light is marked by the sight of "parols" or star lanterns. Christians in China celebrate Christmas by lighting their houses with paper lanterns. During the nine days prior to Christmas, Mexican families march from house to house with candles looking for a room at the inn. They are replicating Joseph and Mary's search in Jerusalem.
Other Christian winter festivals: St. Lucia's Day in Sweden--
According to folk tradition, December 13th follows the longest night of the year in Sweden. During the winter there are only a few hours of sunlight each day. St. Lucia is honored this day with her wreath of candles. The oldest girl in the family is declared St. Lucia on December 13th. On this day she dresses up wearing a white robe with a red sash and a wreath with candles on her head. St. Martin's Day (Sint Maarten) in Holland--Saint Martin's Day is on November 11th and is celebrated in Holland. Children carry lanterns and go from house to house singing songs. People give them candy and other treats.
Judaism: Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights celebrated in countries all over the world. In 165 B.C. there was a great battle between the Maccabees and the Syrians. The Jews won the battle and when they went to their temple, they found that the Syrians had allowed their sacred light to go out. They only had oil for one day. The miracle of Hanukkah is that the oil lasted 8 days until a messenger could return with more. There are nine candles in the menorah.One of the is used to light the other candles and the other eight stand for the eight days that the oil kept burning.
Loi Krathong (loy-kruh-thong) Festival in Thailand
This holiday is celebrated in Thailand in November each year."Loy" means "to float" and a "Krathong" is a lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually contains a candle, three joss-sticks, some flowers and coins.
The festival starts at night when there is a full moon in the sky. People carry their Krathongs to the nearby rivers. After lighting candles and making a wish, they place the Krathongs on the water and let them drift away. People are offering thanks to the Goddess of water. It is believed that the Krathongs carry away bad luck. The wishes that people make for the new year will start. It is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are floated away.
New Year's Eve in Brazil
It is summer in Rio de Janeiro on December 31st. Although this isn't strictly a New Year's Eve celebration, people go to the beach at midnight and ask Iemanja, the African goddess of waters, to give them good luck. Hundreds of candles are lit in the sand. People throw white flowers into the water as a gift to Iemanja. They also give her combs and perfume. The celebrations, with drumming and singing, begin at midnight and go on until dawn.
Kwanzaa in the United States (African American tradition)
Kwanzaa begins on Decembe 26th to honor African harvest traditions. Candles representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa are lit each night for a week. Family and friends come together to take pride in their unique culture and to celebrate their common heritage.
Islam:
Although Ramadan rotates through the year, it also has an aspect of light. Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city. In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadan a more special time for their children.
Here's some sources:
http://www.everythingesl.net/lessons/...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_log
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mani_(pr...
http://www.life123.com/holidays/jewis...
I mentioned Mani in the previous post. Here is some information about his work as an artist-prophet:Arzhang
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Arzhang (Aržang - a Parthian word meaning "Worthy") was one of the holy books of the Manichaean religion, written and illustrated by its prophet Mani, in Syriac Aramaic. It was unique in that it contained numerous pictures designed to portray the events in the Manichaean description of the creation and history of the world.
The book has been lost and its content is unknown. However, it is known that its illustrations were of appreciable quality, and copies were preserved in the Middle East as late as 1092 AD, when it is recorded that the library of Ghazni held a copy.
We have had some WONDERFUL ideas! I will start the threads of those ideas which have been suggested to me personally and I encourage all of you expound on the chosen topic if possible, in any way you prefer. Thank you all for the messages and suggestions! I am getting really excited about learning all about the holidays and different traditions!
Oh, and again, if a thread encompassing your particular topic isn't already listed, create your own! The more the merrier!
Great information about traditions featuring light, Ed!
Yes, refreshing! I learned a lot about Hanukkah. where I'm from we have Christians (majority is Catholics) , Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims but not Jews. I lot to live in a multiethnic country becuase you have more holidays! :) LOL and not to mention food. I love Ramazan (Ramadan)! One of my closest friends is Muslim, I make sure I always get invited! The food is so delicious.It's interesting what Ed has said about focusing on light. The majority of my country is Buddhists. One of the highly celebrated festival is Vesak (Vesākha) the birthday of the Prince Siddhartha/ Lord Buddha. You don't want to be indoors during these days. The streets will be flooded with lights and lanterns.
Here's an idea how it looks like. My mother being a Buddhist, we used to take part in these when we were little but now (sadly) we only stick with Easter and Christmas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha%2...
What a neat post, Amalie! I didn't know about Vesak (Vesākha). The lanterns are beautiful! Thank you for introducing another religious tradition.
Beautiful pictures, Amalie. I had not heard about that celebration.
Really? :) I thought it's well-known and you're welcome.
Recently saw MIDNIGHT IN PARIS by Woody AllenHas Picasso in film and is a great travelogue for Paris and a fun view of how great the art scene there was in the 1920's.
also a funny and lighthearted movie that may be a good break from all the holiday/daily demands.
Well, as for those who have celebrated Christmas, I guess it is officially over until next year. For those who are celebrating other traditions, holidays, beliefs, etc. I hope it is/was wonderful.I'm excited because I got mostly books for Christmas. That's pretty much what I asked for. I got all books and statues (and a GPS) that's it! I guess my family knows what I like! It's been a good day.
Heather, in the custom of our society, Christmas is indeed over. I have known folks who could hardly wait until the afternoon of the 25th to take down trees and decorations. And the merchants are moving on as well. However, Christmas is a season, not a day. It extends until January 6, thus 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.' I have not yet persuaded Congress to declare a full and fair legal holiday, but one of us, in our reading, might run across a reference which otherwise would be puzzling. Not likely, I realize.
Heather, I'm glad to hear you had a good holiday. Christmas may be over, but Chanuka isn't. I lit seven candles this evening and tomorrow is that last with all eight (plus the shamish, the one you use to light the others).And here in Spain the 6th of January, the day when the three wise men brought gifts for the infant Jesus, is also a significant holiday. Traditionally Kings is the day when the real gifts are given, with Christmas being for small gifts and large meals.
Hello all. We made it through Christmas unscathed. With the discussion of light, solstice, lamps, advent candles and oil, I point out the refrain from a song called, Douglas Traherne Harding:One light
Light that is one
though the lamps be many...
derived in part from Douglas Harding's headless concept. Here's a quote that explains a position I like:
"looking out I found I was room for a variety of things - practices, techniques, experiments, different and similar jargons, different and similar ideas. Looking in I was free of them all. I wasn't confined to one 'way' or group. This was a great relief - freedom! Freedom from these spiritual paths!"
http://www.headless.org/Comments/many...
My 'holiday time' begins this weekend. Off to Holland to visit Amsterdam and Haarlem. Can't wait for the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandthuis, Hermitage, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Frans Hals Museum, Ann Frank house & Betty Toos.(Still March & here in U.K. cloudless blue sky 70's F.!)
Wonderful Pete! Looking forward to hearing about it.
How fun, Pete! I am so jealous! You need to tell us all about it.
Heather wrote: "How fun, Pete! I am so jealous! You need to tell us all about it."MAN I LOVE AMSTERDAM! My week long hol was fab. Want to go back again. It's quite a few years since I rode a bike. For those who have never visited Holland and Dam in particular, I really recommend. Found Ann Frank house to be a very moving place, and I wasn't alone. I've stood in front of more 17thC art than I've ever done. Steen,Hals,Vermeer and of course Rembrandt and countless others. Visited Rijksmuseum & Frans Hals museum in Haarlem which are just incredible places. Also snooped round Rembrandt's house, but he was out.Van Gogh museum has lots of stuff other than Vincent's, so many Impressionist works. Cycled round the Vondelpark and cruised the canals, smiled and waved at the near naked ladies in their shop windows and chilled in the coffee shops till late at night. Taken a while to fully recover, but I love the place and the laid back people. Wife and I are now doing extra lines on the lottery so we can invest our millions in a little crooked house and retire there happy.
Fantastic post, Pete. I know what you mean by the crooked little houses! I remember a very trippy black and white checked sink, straight out of the looking glass. Tell us more about Rembrant's house.
Thanks Pete! So many places to visit -- beautiful artworks, the canals, the architecture, and the venues for theater, music. (I think I would find it very overwhelming to visit the Anne Frank house.) I look forward to visiting someday.
Thank you so much for the synopsis of your trip! Wow! What an adventure. I can only hope to go someday. I was just talking to Ed about the van Gogh house yesterday. He said he didn't think I could handle it! lol
Heather, you should check out the web site.http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/
(There is a drop down to choose your language)
If you go the permanent collection link you can see all the works. You were just saying how you loved the physical nature of his paint. If you choose enlarge you can zoom in and see the brush strokes.
Everybody, check it out!
Pete, sounds like a great trip. I remember the Ann Frank house from my trip there upteen years ago. Very moving indeed.And Ed, thanks so much for the link to the Van Gogh Museum. That's a good resource.
great link, Ed! I hadn't seen this one before, I really like it:
Emperor Moth
1889
Monica wrote: Tell us more about Rembrant's house." Unlike Ann Frank house which is stark and empty space at the request of Otto Frank, Rembrandt's pad is a museum and has been reconstructed with furniture and artifacts to be as it was when the master lived there. Also displays drawings and paintings. There are a few floors and they know where Rembrandt had his easel and where he mixed his paints and pressed his litho's. As Ed's method, you can fly there Mon/Wendy to Neverland. www.Rembrandthuis.nl
Thanks, Pete. Now I have a new fondness for Rembrant. And thank you, too, Ed.
An interesting companion to a visit (either virtual or actual): Rembrandt: The Painter at Work.Rembrandt's intriguing painting technique has stirred the imagination of art lovers during his lifetime and ever since. In this book, Rembrandt's pictorial intentions and the variety of materials and techniques he applied to create his fascinating effects are unraveled in depth. At the same time, this "archaeology"of Rembrandt's paintings yields information on many other levels.
In art-historical research, the work of art as a material object is used increasingly as an important source of information about the painting itself, as well as about historic studio practice in general. The range from practical workshop devices to aesthetic and art-theoretical matters combined in this book offers a view of Rembrandt's daily practice and artistic considerations, while simultaneously providing a more three-dimensional image of the historical artist.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I am going to post this under the 'General' thread because of the subject matter.It is now 3:00am Mountain Standard Time in the USA. Christians would believe this day to be the day of the birth of Jesus Christ. I want to open a discussion about religious holidays in general and not limit it to one specific holiday, thus the location of this subject.
Whether you are a Christian, Buddhist, atheist or agnostic, Islamic, Jewish, or any other belief I would like to invite you to post a painting representing your specific belief.
This day may not be anything special for some of us, especially those who are not Christian. When you post your painting or other medium, please enlighten us to your beliefs and the reasoning behind posting your particular piece of art.
Is there a certain other day of the year on which you celebrate your religion or belief? I would love to know and learn. Please share!
Paintings of the birth of Jesus may show him born in an animal's storeroom to an ordinary peasant woman, or ignore historical fact and show a richly dressed woman with a newborn king. Both versions are right: Jesus was one of us, born to ordinary parents, but he was also King of Kings, born into glory.Paintings of the Nativity may show:
-a ruined building - not because Mary and Joseph were poor, but to symbolize the failure of the old world, the old way of doing things; Jesus would usher in a new world
-angels, signalling the presence of God and his protection of the Holy Family
-shepherds, the first people to recognize who Jesus was
-the animals, representing the whole of Nature
-the infant Jesus unwrapped to show his human body; he was truly man as well as God
-Mary, usually showing no signs of exhaustion from a normal birth (Caravaggio caused outrage by suggesting otherwise)
-Joseph, sometimes as a young man but often an older man who would not infringe on Mary's virginity.
http://www.jesus-story.net/painting_b...
The Virgin of the Veil, Aambrogio Borgognone, 1500
Artist Unknown circa 1100s
Stained glass window in St. Denis Basilica, Paris; circa 1100
Paul Gauguin, Te Tamari No Atua (Nativity), 1896 (both paintings)
El Greco The Nativity 1603
Luke 2:4-7 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.
7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
My beliefs I would categorize as spiritual but not religious, and non-theist. Although I don't hold to any supernatural doctrines I have a great respect for the great spiritual teachers, especially Jesus and Buddha.So although I am not Catholic, I am including an image of the extraordinarily graceful Ave Maria tile mural in the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence. I think it's a perfect image of the Nativity, and so very appropriate for this time of year.
The story of the chapel is an interesting one. Matisse, an atheist, had formed a friendship with one of his nurses who took care of him. She was a bit of an artist herself, and was trying to design a small chapel.
Matisse, the story goes, created the chapel because of his friendship with Sister Jacques-Marie, who according to her 2005 obit in The New York Times "met Matisse in 1942, when she was a student nurse named Monique Bourgeois and Matisse, in his early 70's and recovering from intestinal cancer, advertised for a "young and pretty night nurse." She propped up his pillows, read to him and took walks with him, and her impish wit and straightforward conversation enchanted him."
http://www.artsjournal.com/mt4/mt-sea...
I harbor no religious or "spiritual" tendencies, altho I grew up with xmas. Now, I'd just like to leave town until it's over.The Grinch
You both brought up good conversation. I think it is more than appropriate to allow or invite anyone to post any kind of art they would like, or not post at all, for that matter! Thank you, Ruth and Ed.
I was raised Catholic, as a child I was exposed to many artworks like the painting below. This work of art makes me think of --John 8:12 “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the LIGHT of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life.”
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard van Honthorst. 1622, oil on canvas, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Cologne, Germany
My parents have a large (takes 2 card tables) nativity set that they physically made -- wooden barn, hay and ceramic animals, shepherds, sheep, 3 wise men with presents, camels with jewels, an angel and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. (This was during a time when priests ate dinner with its congregation.)
I became a Presbyterian as an adult. The Protestant faith reject religious images which is viewed as idolatry. Presbyterianism, a branch of Protestant Christianity, teaches that since God created man in his own image, humanity is perfection.
It’s theology is centered on the individual relationship between the worshipper and the divine. Presbyterian theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ.
Comparing Catholic churches which are very ornate with Presbyterian churches which are simple and unpretentious. This is how our church started. To me this is "a work of art" created by its congregation.
This property was chosen because it is a beautiful farm property that had a few useful buildings and wonderful land that included hay fields and a brook. The farmhouse was suitable for the pastor’s residence and the main cow barn, built in 1957 was transformed into the hayloft sanctuary.
[image error]
hayloft sanctuary today (2nd story in the barn, added a few windows)
We support Missionaries abroad, our Church mission programs in our communities and abroad (in 2010 went to Peru), outreach programs, retreats, small groups studies, ministry, and a huge free children's day camp for one week in the summer which requires most of the members of church to volunteer in some way.
outdoor summer worship by the brook
working together in cold times
Very interesting, Carol. I didn't know much about the Protestant belief, especially the simplicity it represents. Makes a lot of sense in the way you described it. Thank you for enlightening me.
Very nice repurposed barn-church, Carol. It seems like I've been seeing stories lately of churches falling on hard times, being sold, and transformed into expensive loft residences, so it's nice to see something in the reverse direction.
Thanks Heather and Lobstergirl!Last year church members agreed to increase our tithes so that we could pay off our mortgage by December 2012 which, thank God, we were able to do.
Good morning (Or afternoon or evening) to all my fellow Art Lover friends and members!I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, or Happy Hanukkah, or just a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful weekend! Whatever you believe (or don't) I wish us all the best!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to you Heather.
Ed wrote: "Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to you Heather."Thank you, Ed!
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, or just a wonderful day to all friends, family, loved ones and strangers in the world! Lots of love to you all!
I got this today from one of my best and oldest friends (we graduated together in 1980) He started in the comic book world and had for years a well running series, you can find here on Goodreads, sadly not in an English translation. There is even one with my wife on the cover ;-)https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/...
(My wife’s the one playing the cello, only for the comic, in real life she doesn’t even play a note, pity)
Here’s the card:
Anyone need a translation 😊 ?
Thanks Connie!My best wishes for you too!
I think this will be fun to learn about different traditions for various holidays during the year, and if possible, the way some sort of art takes part in the celebration.
Happy Holidays!!!