The Fragrant Seal of the Spirit: the Aesthetics of Chrism
The Fragrant Seal of the Spirit: the Aesthetics of Chrism
Author(s): Mădălina DiaconuSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Philosophy, Aesthetics, History of ideas, Philosophy of Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Spoločnosť pre estetiku na Slovensku a Inštitút estetiky a umeleckej kultúry Filozofickej fakulty Prešovskej univerzity v Prešove
Keywords: Fragrance; Theological Aesthetics; Chrism Oil / Myron; Spirituality; Symbolism
Summary/Abstract: Despite recent developments in the fields of olfactory aesthetics, phenomenology of liturgy, religious aesthetics, and theological aesthetics, the complex presence of odours in the Christian culture has been scarcely discussed. This study is meant as a contribution to a future systematic exploration of the aesthetic ‘osmology’ of theology, by focusing on the fragrant chrism oil (in the Eastern Church called Holy Myron). Technical-historical explanations regarding the olfactory composition, preparation and use of this sacramental oil are followed by an examination of the semantics of its odour in patristic theology and medieval popular imaginary. This rich symbolism has been lost in the ‘anosmic’ modern Catholic and Orthodox sacramental theology.
Journal: ESPES
- Issue Year: 13/2024
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 64-80
- Page Count: 17
- Language: English
