Chthonian Power
The Oxford Dictionary of English defines 'chthonian' as "relating to or inhabiting the underworld". Chthonian power therefore refers to a power relating to the underworld and/ or a deity.
Oxford Reference, however, states that 'chthonian' literally means "belonging to the earth". They say that the term can be "used to describe a god or goddess of the earth or the underworld." Furthermore they suggest that the term can be used to describe the divine creative force.
Oxford Reference, however, states that 'chthonian' literally means "belonging to the earth". They say that the term can be "used to describe a god or goddess of the earth or the underworld." Furthermore they suggest that the term can be used to describe the divine creative force.
Quote One
"[...] whereas a sacred natural feature is location-specific, a sacred building, such as a Christian church, can, in principle, be raised almost anywhere with appropriate rites of consecration" (p.11)
- Tuan, Y, (2009), Religion: From Place To Placelessness.
To answer the question of whether or not I agree with this statement, I must separate it out. It starts by stating that "a sacred natural feature is location-specific". It is an understandable statement to make and is perfectly logical. This is because if a feature is natural then it has not been put there by a person. As far that element is concerned, the feature is location-specific. However, for something to be sacred there must be reason behind the meaning. There must be a declaration of the location becoming sacred, a decision to make it so. Regardless of where this decision comes from, the feature arguably only becomes location-specific after initial decision to regard it as sacred has occurred. Up to that point, the location is an any other.
A sacred building, on the other hand, works differently. The quote is correct in that we are more or less capable of building a structure of sacred intent "almost anywhere". Yet there is more to religion than place. For example, it is commonly said that Church is more than a building. By this, it is suggested that faith is not merely bound to the confines of a building, but is instead lived out in the lives of those who follow it. I do agree with this quote though. My concerns for its complete undeniability are minor. I see how natural features are considered location-specific and understand the way in which sacred buildings may be built in various locations.
- Tuan, Y, (2009), Religion: From Place To Placelessness.
To answer the question of whether or not I agree with this statement, I must separate it out. It starts by stating that "a sacred natural feature is location-specific". It is an understandable statement to make and is perfectly logical. This is because if a feature is natural then it has not been put there by a person. As far that element is concerned, the feature is location-specific. However, for something to be sacred there must be reason behind the meaning. There must be a declaration of the location becoming sacred, a decision to make it so. Regardless of where this decision comes from, the feature arguably only becomes location-specific after initial decision to regard it as sacred has occurred. Up to that point, the location is an any other.
A sacred building, on the other hand, works differently. The quote is correct in that we are more or less capable of building a structure of sacred intent "almost anywhere". Yet there is more to religion than place. For example, it is commonly said that Church is more than a building. By this, it is suggested that faith is not merely bound to the confines of a building, but is instead lived out in the lives of those who follow it. I do agree with this quote though. My concerns for its complete undeniability are minor. I see how natural features are considered location-specific and understand the way in which sacred buildings may be built in various locations.
Quote Two
"To educated Europeans, natural features may be valued for ecological and aesthetic reasons, but that does not make them sacred. If, in vestigial faith, anything is still regarded as not wholly of this world, it is the consecrated building: a shrine, church or synagogue" (p.14)
- Tuan, Y, (2009), Religion: From Place To Placelessness.
The quote may apply to other religions too. However, I do not wholeheartedly agree with my understanding of the statement. I believe that there is still much belief held in places and features as being sacred and special. I am not sure that the buildings themselves are regarded as other worldly. The phenomenology of the building on the other hand, that may well be described as "not wholly this world". As such, I believe that sacred natural features also maintain their sense of other worldliness too.
- Tuan, Y, (2009), Religion: From Place To Placelessness.
The quote may apply to other religions too. However, I do not wholeheartedly agree with my understanding of the statement. I believe that there is still much belief held in places and features as being sacred and special. I am not sure that the buildings themselves are regarded as other worldly. The phenomenology of the building on the other hand, that may well be described as "not wholly this world". As such, I believe that sacred natural features also maintain their sense of other worldliness too.
Can Sacredness Change/ Enhance The Spirit Of A Place?
A few weeks ago I explored the concept of phenomenology. The link to that research can be found here. Essentially it refers to the experience of a place. I believe that sacredness can indeed change the spirit of a place. In my opinion it also enhances it. A place takes on a whole new feeling and meaning when it becomes classified as sacred. Initially, I thought of arguing the point that although a place may be sacred, you do not necessarily react differently to it until you know of it's importance. However, upon reflection of that thought, I do not believe this to be entirely true. Often there is a sense within a place that it is different, special. For that reason I feel that there definitely is an enhancement which comes with sacredness.
Drawn Response
My drawn response to this task (above) is representative of my interpretation of sacredness within a place. Through this drawing, I am trying to show how when in a sacred place, one can simply stop. In the presence of something sacred, it is not uncommon to cease movement and action to just take it in. I have left a lot of space at the top and kept the background very light to allow for the idea of something being out there. Furthermore, i have created rays of light, commonly referred to as 'God rays', projecting from the person. This usually signifies the presence of a very bright source of light in front of the object, in this case the person.
I am happy with my response. I believe that it conveys my thoughts of this task well. Despite this being a blog on architecture, sacredness goes beyond buildings and into the space and lives around us. This image does not confine itself to a building, instead opting to allow each individual who views it to make their own interpretation of my own. Opinions are important, as are experiences. Sacredness can cause different experiences to different people, this is key in my understanding of this task and just as much in my response.
I am happy with my response. I believe that it conveys my thoughts of this task well. Despite this being a blog on architecture, sacredness goes beyond buildings and into the space and lives around us. This image does not confine itself to a building, instead opting to allow each individual who views it to make their own interpretation of my own. Opinions are important, as are experiences. Sacredness can cause different experiences to different people, this is key in my understanding of this task and just as much in my response.
Bibliography
Oxford University Press, (2012), The Oxford Dictionary Of English 3rd Edition.
http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095611619 - 17th November 2013.
Oxford University Press, (2012), The Oxford Dictionary Of English 3rd Edition.
http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095611619 - 17th November 2013.