12.05.2012

Twelve Mornings with Mary - Day 5

The Black Mary
 
When I first heard of the black Mary, I instantly thought there must be an African-American version of Mary, so I set out to investigate this.  Not so!  Apparently the black Mary comes from way back in places other than Africa.  Since I am not a hugely religious person, and not Catholic, I have to say this twelve days participation is a learning experience for me.  I am enjoying it, and appreciating it. I found many images of the black Mary, or black Madonna as it seems to be more popularly called, or simply the black Virgin.  One site says her image became black from the candle smoke in the church. Another relates her to the ancient beliefs in the goddess Isis.  I suppose we just have to embrace what is in our heart, whatever color or shape Mary might be.
 
 
This golden image has a rich history with a beautiful church in Einsiedeln, Switzerland. It was a hugely interesting story  and I wanted to provide a link, but the site would not let me.  If you google black Mary, or sacred destinations,  you will find it. I hope I am not infringing on someone's copywrite image.  Since this image is public, in a church, I hoped it was ok to use it here.
 
Another site relating the black Madonna to Isis, and other stories, is HERE-A DARKER HISTORY
 
 
 
 
Have a great day.  I'm off to work.  :(
 

14 comments:

  1. Wonderful post ~ awesome photo and thanks for the link ~ always good to learn ~ blessings to you ~ ( A Creative Harbor) artmusedog and Carol ^_^

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  2. Hi, Judie! It's so much fun to learn about The Black Madonna - at least, for me it is. I'm glad that you are looking into Her history.

    The Matt Fox article you linked to is the one that I use each day for the points he mentions...it's a great reference and reminder.

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  3. I like that the Black Madonna is another face of the Great Goddess reaching back into the distant past.No doubt she brings with her healing powers accumulated through the ages.

    Ruby

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  4. She is stunning! Whoever created her was no doubt divinely guided.

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  5. My friend Anne Markle, an Episcopal priest in Crossville TN has an affinity for black madonnas and travels to find them. She hopefully will eventually lead tours to them. Wouldn't that be fun?

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  6. Fascinating the stories you can find...
    I agree with you, embrace whatever is in our heart♥

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  7. I agree with Lisa. We need to embrace what is in our hearts. She is stunning. :) Take care.

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  8. Love that she is LOVE and comes in all colors.
    Beautiful post Judie.
    xx

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  9. Oh, someone will undoubtedly track you down and fine you hugely for using that image! Not! :)

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  10. strong, definitely feminine, a beauty in guilt and glitz, Mary with some bling!

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  11. A Virgin A Day is proving to be a learning experience for me as well. I had never even heard of the Black Madonna before this. Thanks for sharing what you are gleaning! Fascinating images.

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  12. I have a Black Madonna I found in a thrift shop for 99 cents. She is one of my great treasures.

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  13. What a fantastic Black Madonna you have posted today. I have only found one little statue in my days of shopping for my altars. I have to content myself with only photos. Someday I hope to tour the great Black Madonna sculptures in France.

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