https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXeoXvpn37dp9Q2X2UNGNNH8GCbUDZuswSYmrL5ACWmn8
https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmUGsdhqMqJY2qdLCaoZRXv8ejrb7YchdA1qqkWqEByhVi
Traveling in Greece, I immediately drew attention to the rather frequent, small, strangely located buildings. Sometimes there was a cross on their roof, sometimes not. Standing this "house" could, for example, at the corner of the intersection, or next to the apartment building, clearly not fitting into the overall composition of the building, or interfering with the passage along the street.
Another such construction met me on the outskirts of the city of Thessaloniki. I would once again passed by, but I saw how a young girl with a bottle of water came out of the "house". Judging by the clothes - a schoolgirl, quite modern and not timid in appearance. Her short skirt and lack of a scarf, which is usually worn on the head at the entrance to the temple, have strengthened my determination to look inside.
After the bright street light, the eyes got used to the darkness, and the image of the Virgin with the outstretched hands gradually appeared on the wall of the building. It was a fresco, judging by the date indicated in the corner, painted in 1975. In the center, Jesus is depicted, above on a scarlet-red background several Saints. A small bowl and a tap with a new lever for water supply are mounted in the wall. Next the metal box, which burns a few candles. In a small box of marble are new candles, they can be lit, leaving a donation of 3-5 euros. The room itself is very small, it can hardly accommodate a maximum of two people. Here pretty fresh and even cool, compared to the street where it's now at thirty. Artificial lighting, air conditioning is not, the door to the "house" is also missing, everything is very similar to the sacred grotto with the source. But most importantly, there was felt spirituality, faith, a feeling that you do not experience in every big temple. And you are completely alone here, alone with your thoughts, requests and aspirations...
Later I found out that this house is called parekklitsion (from the Greek παρεκκλήσι), literally a small church with its Holy See, sometimes belonging to one person or institution. Parekklitsion can be the limit of a nearby church, and be inside the room.
https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmcPDGqQjyd8kehbw9xHXxisaz4aWMEAKJLh49E4MJbFAU
Another Greek discovery is the very small, literally puppet proskrinitaris. From Greek "προσκυνητάριον from προσκυνῶ" - I bow my knees. Especially a lot of proskrinitaris are found on highways, hiking trails, mountain rivers, hills, and in the city they are not uncommon. Inside this metal or stone "box-house" lie icons, crosses, coins, burning candles, lamps, bottles with oil, and sometimes notes and photographs of people.
At first, I decided that proskrinitaris were installed on the site of the tragic death of a person, which is logical to assume. But why these houses stand on the lawns next to the dwellings - remained a mystery. In Googl, I found some interesting versions.
One of the myths about how Greece appeared is: The creator, sifting through the giant sieve of the earth, distributed it to all countries, Greece was the last in line and she got only stones from which mountains and hills were built. It was very difficult to move around such a territory, and the travelers prayed with all their might to the Gods, installed the statues of Hermes - the patron of travelers, and with the advent of Christianity - crosses and small temples.
Today, construction proskrinitaris people are also put in gratitude for the fact that they managed to avoid trouble - in honor of saving a person from the river, or when they managed to prevent an accident due to a suddenly bursting wheel. They also bring good luck in business, income, family well-being. Proscrinitarii of the most bizarre forms are sold in shops near the road, along with goods for the garden-garden. That's so easy in Greece, you can buy your own mini-temple and set where your heart desires.
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I saw A LOT of proskrinitaris on the sides of the roads of Greece when I lived there :-/ Meaning that a lot of people in Greece die of car accidents, which is so sad... I didn't know the name of those little mini-churches to commemorate the dead, but now I know thanks to you! :)
I learned that they are located not only in the places where the person died. Small churches set to thank for the salvation or joy that occurred in the family. They are put as near to the houses and in places where there are no roads. I'm not sure I wrote their name correctly, so it sounds russian... Thanks for the comment )
Вот, что то похожее есть и на Кипре. На территории отеля у нас есть махонькая церквушка, с фресками снаружи и с иконами внутри. Все, как полагается. Я потом отсниму и выложу.
Конечно есть, они по всей Греции встречаются. А вы планируете на материк с экскурсиями?
Да, тут все такое дорогое, что не до экскурсий особо )) мы в основном своим ходом, да на автобусах по окрестностям
Я про самостоятельные экскурсии конечно же ) Экскурсии от туроператора - это зло!
Мы машину брали и всю Грецию проехали. Правда на острова не решились, паром, + аренда второй машины показалось дороговато.
Nice post. I've been walking around in the Cyclades and Dodekinese for the last two months, learning how to draw. When I get some photos of the drawings, I'll post them. One from Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master, one from Kos, the fountain of Hippocrates, and one from Naxos, the Portera, Temple of Apollo. Isn't the light here wonderful!
Last year, in Thessaloniki, I drew the sculpture of Alexander that is down by the White Tower. I showed it to Katerina, a Greek friend. She looked at it for a bit and said, "Not horse!"
This has become my favorite art reaction.
What is your most vivid impression of Greece?
Vivid? Good question. The Parthenon. So alive, it could almost get up and move away. Ground zero for western civilization---moderation, truths beyond beliefs. Saw pictures of it for many years, but none of them conveyed the lightness, the athletic imagination, the inspiration, the great icon of the West, as Buddha is for the East. Buddha's truths look in, the Parthenon looks out. I've been trying to capture the feeling in a drawing of the Portera on Naxos.
But so much here is beautiful. Especially the ordinary---kids playing before dark, old men and women walking silently without resentment, long tables of families celebrating. The present is its own reward. The Greeks embody this so naturally.
And the terraces. Many of them from the bronze age! Nature improved. And the caiques! I just built two small boats in Seattle. I love the time proved stubby smooth shapes, decked over, small engine, oars or a tiny sail for auxiliary power if necessary. Shut me up. I love Greece.
And you?
I thought that the Parthenon would impress me more. My greatest impression of Greece is the Meteors.
Haven't seen them yet. Looking forward to it, maybe next trip. Loved your pics.
Очень красиво, надо попробовать в акварели, спасибо за пост
Спасибо. А что конкретно надо попробовать? )
Третье фото думаю, будет супер
Да......... третье фото
Рисовать по фото? бросайте это безнадёжное занятие! С натуры надо рисовать!
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Hello! I really like your post, love when i can learn something about religious/historic/mystical topic. I only went to Greece twice, but i hope i'll manage to go soon again. Great job :)
Thank you, I really liked Greece? and I have a lot of stories about her. Next, I plan to write about Delphi and his predictor.
Do you live in Florence? This is my favorite city in Italy!
I suggest you exchange blog subscriptions ;)