Friday, November 23, 2012

A capital idea. (And a bloody Ashura)

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 An ancient capital reflected in the glass ramp that leads to


the Church of the Flagellation,  which was originally built by the Crusaders in the 12th century.
The Convent (monastery) of the Flagellation now belongs to the Franciscans.

The external wall of the sanctuary is the 2nd Station of the Way of the Cross, marking the imposition of the cross.
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(A post for Weekend Reflections.)
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UPDATE
I see that many readers are freaked out by the name Church of the Flagellation (or Scourging).
It refers, of course, to the whipping Jesus got from the Romans in that place. 

But by some strange coincidence, I now notice that today is Ashura, a major Shi'ite holiday marked by bloody self-flagellation. 

I just saw a YouTube video from Lebanon but will spare you by not giving the link.
The Shi'ite men walk through the street in procession, rhythmically whipping their bare back with chains, or hitting their head and chest, or cutting their scalp with razor blades or swords.
The street is literally running with blood.
The most shocking is to see a few fathers cutting on the head of their young sons! 

I would hope our neighbors in the surrounding countries  could find better ways to publicly express grief and mourning for Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, killed in the battle of Karbala in 680. 
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14 comments:

  1. Capital reflection too, Dina! And what a beautiful church it is!
    Shabbat shalom!

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  2. Perfect timing! The students are examining crusader architecture this semester and I have many fine examples. But I did not know of this lovely church. i will show the architecture and cite you as my source :)

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  3. I think that I haven't been anywhere with glass as part of an enclosure since I started reading blogs and writing one. Like it! I pray for continued ceasing of bombing in Israel.

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  4. funny word and concept: flagelltio



    Warm Aloha to YOU
    from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral

    ~ > < } } ( ° >

    > < 3 3 3 ( ' >

    ><}}(°> ~

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  5. You know how I love the ancient things. They make it possible for us to reach down through time and touch those who came before us.

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  6. There is so much history with every step you take there.

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  7. Flagellation - eek :)

    Nice photos!

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  8. What a perfect reflection for a perfect day. Shalom Israël.

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  9. Some people do strange things under the veil of religion.

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  10. I remember quite well the stations, but this church looks really nicer now I have seen the Ashura videos some time ago and I think it was enough then...

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  11. I enjoy the ancient...maybe too much. ~Mary

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  12. I have seen Ashura a few times, not a nice thing. I can understand (or at least try to) why, they did it in Christianity as well, but... As all extremes...
    Dina, thanks for your prayers from the navel of the world.

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