BANNERS – A “CALL TO
ACTION”
ALEXANDRA INTERNATIONAL is excited to introduce a new line of tapestry
banners that captures for “private devotion” sacred images meant to “teach” and
“direct” us.
SHORT HISTORY OF RELIGIOUS BANNERS
There are many reasons for a
banner – perhaps the most compelling to a Christian is a banner is a “call to
action.” This call to action can be expressed in words
(for example “XB” for “Christ Is Risen!”) symbols (the Holy Cross), and depictions
of holy images for us to immolate – for example,
Christ (example the Holy Face – Made Without Hands) the Virgin Mary (Theotokos)
or a saint.
In the Old Testament God commanded
the use of visual aids to remind the Israelites on what is important “…to look at and so you will remember all the
commands of the Lord.” Banners rallied the
Twelve Tribes. It is believed the color of
each tribe’s banner corresponded to the color of the tribe’s stone on the Brest
Plate of the High Priest.
Both the Eastern (for example,
the stunning “Khorugv” banners used in Russian
churches) and Western (for example, the famous art banners of European Cathedrals
as well as banners used by the Vatican when proclaiming a new saint) Christian churches
used banners to remind us of the ”presence of God” in our lives through examples from Christ, the
Virgin and Saints. They are meant to “remind,” “teach” and provide “direction” in our spiritual
lives!
SHORT HISTORY OF “MADONNA AND
CHILD” SACRED IMAGE.
The Virgin Mary is the “MOTHER
OF GOD’ (THEOTOKOS). Nothing captures
the intimate relationship of a mother and child as does this image. Christ obtained his humanity through Mary’s
acceptance of will of God. Christ was as
man in all things but sin. We cherish
the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God so do we cherish our own Mothers. See the playfulness of the Christ Child – look
at the loving devotion of Mary to her Son our God.
Mary is called “Madonna” from the Italian “ma donna” or My
Lady.
This is a well-known image of
the Madonna and Child.
Icon Measures 12 1/4 inch x 7 5/8 inch
Including Wooden Parts 8 3/4 inch wide
Including Hanger Part from top to bottom 17 1/4 inch tall
