People have always sought spirituality, not least at home in their everyday lives. This year’s Christmas exhibition shows items such as candles, figurines, and pictures that support them in prayer and meditation. Some of them are simple and practical, others particularly beautiful and artistic.
Spirituality is not sought merely in churches, temples or ceremonial houses but also privately at home where people pray and meditate and engage in small ritual acts in everyday life.
For this purpose, they rely on a variety of items, some quite small and practical, others elaborate and designed with devotion. The exhibition is all about these paraphernalia.
Viewing and Touching
Across five stations, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the spiritual sphere. To begin with by viewing images and figurines that help people practise their faith and concentrate on praying or meditating.
The focus of the second station is on the body; through breathing, posture, movement or touch, the body itself becomes the medium of spiritual experience, often supported by things such as prayer rugs, tefillin (prayer straps) or pilgrim’s staffs.
Repetition and Offerings
The repetitive singing of the same tune, reiterating prayers, or performing the same movement over and again help to enhance concentration. The third station is all about rhythm and repetition and features things such as prayer wheels, prayer chains as well as electronic devices such as a mantra metre.
The presence of sacred niches or prayer corners at home is the topic of the fourth station. Lovingly decorated home altars including personal offerings emphasize the part religious spaces play in the quest for spirituality.
Lighting Up and Breathing In
Finally, fire and air come into play. Candles, incense, and fire are used in many ritual practices. Smoke, light and scent help to create an atmosphere that is inducive to meditative contemplation. Furthermore, prayers become mingled with the smoke and wind, which carries them afar.
An interactive tour of the exhibition allows visitors to try things out for themselves, such as correct hand gestures. Mobile phone apps also help seekers to enter other realms. In addition, a “Christmas trail” encourages visitors to reflect on their own personal traditions and spirituality.
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