Raised as a Polish Roman Catholic, I have always had a fondness for religious imagery and I certainly know how to appreciate a good Mass card or two. I think for me there is something about it that not only can be beautiful, but gives me comfort....My Grandmother's house was religious art floor to ceiling and had everything from a picture of the Pope who's eyes followed you around the room no matter whether you moved, to an Infant Jesus of Prague...
to a HUGE (5 x 7 FEET) picture of Jesus knocking on the door to your heart. When I was little, I alway thought if I were allowed to climb up on her buffet, that I would be able to climb into it, it was THAT big.
Even though I am now more kind of Lutheran (long story), I still carry that love and have a few of her pieces displayed around my home.
This is her and my Grandfather's 25th wedding anniversary blessed by the Pope.
And this plaster framed picture of the Last Supper hung in her dining room and it's now in mine.
And I wasn't sure if I was going to share the next picture because it's so personal to me, but with you girls, I think I can.
This crucifix hung in my father's room when he was a child. It is now in our bedroom, but it has kind of become a very special memorial now. At first I just had my childhood rosary on it, but when my Dad passed 10 years ago, I hung his dog tags on it. Then when my sister-in-law passed, I hung a necklace made from rose petals from her service there. I also have one from my maternal grandmother's service and then I recently added my paternal grandmother's rosary. So even though it was probably a very inexpensive cross when it was first purchased , the value to me now is unmeasurable.
I noticed at The Farm Chicks, a lot of vendors were featuring beautiful religious images in their art.
This necklace that Jackie bought from Lisa Souers is amazing. I wish I had seen it first.
Thank you for the picture Jackie!
And this necklace that Farm Chick attendee Brooke Ahana
made from an old rosary and saint medallions. She showed us some of her things and they were beautiful.
I am starting to see much of it being used, I am wondering if it is going to be one of the next big "trends." Though I kind of think it never goes out of style ;)
Jen
I'm Catholic, and I've worn a medal that has Mother Mary on it since I was born ! I love it.
ReplyDeleteI feel weird when I take it off to wear other jewelry, so I just layer.
I love crosses thoughout my home as well.
Love everything, Jen! Having been raised an Irish/Portuguese Catholic (and man, they take it seriously) I was brought up wearing holy medals and having things around the house. Now I love old rosaries, Mary statues, any kind of religious artifact - I have quite a few of them in my home and I love any jewelry that has images like the Mary one I got from Lisa - couldn't pass that up!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked that picture of Jesus knocking on the door...I'm trying to remember where it hung in my childhood because it brings back those childhood feelings. It might have been in one of the Sunday School rooms at church.
ReplyDeleteI just picked up a tiny picture at the thrift store a few weeks ago of the guardian angel protecting the little children as they walk across a rickety bridge--have you ever seen that one? It's got to be from the same era as the Jesus one you shared, and I know for a fact that the angel one hung somewhere in my childhood church. It's such a sweet picture, I have it on my desk now.
How lovely! Being raised Catholic, I too have lots of crosses in my home. Each child got a cross for Baptism and it hangs in their bedrooms. Great post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictures--I do love the old religious pieces. I especially love the guardian angel pictures from the past.
ReplyDeleteI have my childhood medal as well and my children have received theirs and I love them.I love your cross with all the rosaries, your father's tags and the meaning behind them, very very special! thank you for sharing something so special... raised Catholic too.
ReplyDeleteLuLu
I think you are right the rosary necklaces are going to be the next big thing, just ask Sara :)!!!! Hope you are doing well Jen..Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing something so special and private.
ReplyDeleteThat is lovely! I love the one of Jesus knocking on the door of your heart one. I always have. We used to have one of the Last Supper in my house growing up.
ReplyDeleteI have a framed painting of Jesus Christ in my living room. I like it.
I love them too....that first one my Mom always had hanging in her bedroom...brings back memories! cherry
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing crucifixes like yours in every house growing up, it really brings back memories!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I am in total awe of your painting talent!
ReplyDeleteI also love religious imagery and have been collecting for a while. I just started my blog and have added you to my list. Come by for a visit when you can.
Debra
Jen, what a beautiful backstory of your rosary...thank you for sharing such a private, personal story. I have tears in my eyes after reading it...so touching.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't raised Catholic (Southern Baptist) but I have always thought that the religious imagery in the Church was magnificent. I've collected it for years especially rosaries. I just sold the most marvelous wall hanging from St. Mark's that was 9'x15'. It was wonderful but way to big for me to keep. My ceilings are only 8'! Thanks again for sharing.
Debbie
having religious art, whether around your neck or hanging in your entry, always provokes a sense of Peace and Hope...
ReplyDeleteso nice that you shared!
and nice to "meet" you
Catholic here too :-)
ReplyDeleteMy hope that along with the new "trend" to collect religious stuff is that people to start act more "Godly" :-)I've collected religious things for along time, just things that speak to me/touch my heart. Last weekend I finally purchased a statue of the virgin Mary that I'm going to have in my garden, that has been an ongoing mission of mine since December. Of course I am going to make a really neat shrine to house it in! Maybe broken plates shards or rocks... who knows! Anywho, thanks for sharing your neat stuff :-)
Hi Jen, I love all the Religious art, and necklaces etc. You are right, not only is it beautiful, it reminds us of what really matters.
ReplyDeleteLidy
I remember my grandmother's house the same way, with pictures of Jesus everywhere. I hope these images are being used now to bring comfort and peace as they did to our grandparents. Twyla
ReplyDeleteI am crazy about religious iconography! Particularly those from Mexican Catholic Churches....Our Lady of Guadalupe etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso my work is very influenced by cathedrals.
Nice post Jen love some of the images you shared!!!!!
love, kelee
Jen
ReplyDeleteI have to say ...I noticed lots of religious items through out the shops and homes in Kansas City. Its a great trend and I am proud to say I am a Catholic. I have my crosses in my bedroom as well and I will post a picture of them for you. I think having them in your home means a lot on many different levels.
Take care
Janet
I loved this post. My grandparents had a portrait of Jesus in the room I slept in when I would spend the night. I always thought he watched me while I slept...kept me safe. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the personal stuff. Touched my heart.
OMG Jen - thank you so much for this - which I just found by the way since I'm so inconsistent about blogging - too busy making jewelry! I appreciate this mention and photo very much.
ReplyDelete