A blaze of glory

Researching the internet for events this Christmas I discovered one here in Molise the hilltop village of Oratino there is a tradition which dates back originally to Pagan times.

It takes place every year on Christmas Eve and has done so for hundreds of years...

It is an amazing site to behold, requiring a great feat of endurance, and determination to build and erect a thirteen-metre pillar of bamboo cane.

Fascinated by the ceremony and it's history I spoke to Alessandro from the village. He is proud of his job, which is to light the pillar when it in place.

Apparently, it takes four days to make the pillar, after several weeks of collecting cane from the region.

Once it is made, it is then transported through the village by a group of more than forty-eight men, who carry the pillar on their shoulders.

When they arrive in the city centre they hoist the pillar into place in front of the church, with chains and cables.

It was rather worrying from a health and safety perspective but the gang of men doing it seemed to have it under control, clambering up and down ladders, and working as a team to make it safe and secure.

WELL DONE GUYS...

As there were a few hiccups getting it secured it took a little longer than expected but finally the proud Alessandro was able to climb up the church tower and reach out with a burning torch to light the pillar.

It took only a few minutes for the flames to take hold, and it began to burn like a giant candle sparks flying brightly through the air.

Finally, the village priest blesses the pillar linking the church with an age-old tradition which spans history and time.

Again as on so many occasions, I am inspired by the determination of local people of all ages to continue their traditional festivals and events

Unfortunately even here in Molise where there so many fascinating ceremonies and festivals few people even know they exist.

Although in Agnone there is a similar event called the Ndocciata on a much larger scale that has now become fairly well known and is now held twice in December.

The rich culture and history of Molise has so much to offer travellers, adventurers and tourists from overseas as well as those nearer home.

Once again well done Molise, and Oratino... I know you are proud of your origins, your history. your heritage, and your culture
Long may it continue.

Thank you Oratino

Peacocks, more than meets the eye

A peacocks feather

The work of artists in any medium has always intrigued and fascinated me. 

I studied art and art history at college, and although I paint I am certainly no master, yet with both brush and pen (keyboard now) I endeavour endlessly to express myself. 

When I moved to Molise last year I set out on a journey to discover more about the one hundred and thirty-eight towns and villages, 

I did not expect to develop an interest in SACRED ART. This has developed over time as I grown to love and admire the quality and splendour of the art in the churches here.both inside and out

The discovery of an art which enriches the beauty of the churches 

has encouraged me to study and research the subject in more depth.

The principal method of spreading the word in Christianity 

and indeed in all religions has always been by word of mouth, but the desire to record and remind followers of the stories, and teachings meant that it was important too, to write them down, or retell them pictorially.

The symbolism of objects within the paintings is fascinating.

Each item in a painting carries a message, which evolved as a method of storytelling enabling those unable to read the written word to understand a subject in more depth.

The significance of a peacock's feathers 

with its all-seeing eyes represent a pure soul and one that cannot be corrupted, and it  is seen as a symbol of immortality and the resurrection

It does not matter what one believes even today when considering the impact art has on man.

We must look at it with open hearts and eyes ready to embrace its beauty, origins and it's character.

Having travelled fairly extensively 

I have had the opportunity not only to marvel at the stone carvings and wall paintings in Egyptian temples but also at the simple drawings in South American villages. Art has always been a tool with which man can express himself. 

This is where the value of the artist and the artisan became fundamentally important to the church. When we began to build churches and temples we needed people who had the talent to adorn the walls both inside and out with brush, paint, hammer, and chisel.

In Italy.......

there are many churches of great importance in cities like Rome of course, richly adorned with frescoes, sculptures, and carvings, yet in the rolling hills, mountains and rich green valleys of Molise there is so much to admire.

 The Churches ........

Those of  the greatest significance here are not only those which house the most intensely beautiful art on the inside but those which make an impact because of their location or even their simplicity.

Just a few miles from my home is the tiny chapel of Santa Guista just outside the village of Castelobottaccio. It sits perched on a hill virtually hidden amongst the trees. 

It's simplicity, location and tranquillity hold the key to its spirituality. 

In complete contrast, the Cathedral in Bojano is richly adorned with extraordinarily beautiful frescoes.

These were only completed a few years ago by the Artist Rodolfo Papa, and it is rare for one single artist to paint a whole church.

 

The frescoes are contemporary with their roots firmly planted in the firm ground of traditional sacred art. Rodolfo Papa has studied extensively both in theory and practice, making him one of the worlds foremost fresco artists working today.

I met with him at his studio in Rome, where he showed me his work. He spoke with such passion and is working hard to encourage other artists to continue the traditions of sacred art.

 For more information on his work see his website.http://www.rodolfopapa.it/

His knowledge and expertise in this field of art opened a new avenue for me, and I am working with him to encourage and develop opportunities for anyone interested in Sacred Art, and Church architecture to visit Molise. 

Although I have studied art and art history for many years I had not fully realised the significance of Sacred Art.

One of the joys of art is to understand what the artist wanted to portray when they put brushed wall or canvas with their brush, then to read it for yourself just like words on a page.

A painting or a sculpture tells a story, and we are richer for having read it if we understand the meaning of the words

Thank you, Professor Papa for opening my eyes.