On Reliquaries and Rituals

I strongly believe in making the everyday sacred. The more our daily rituals are in tune with our Qalb (heart's purpose), the closer we are to realising our highest self.

Historical Significance

A reliquary is most simply a container for relics. More than just a functional object, it’s a symbol of reverence and devotion. Within Christianity, relics, which often include physical remains like bones, hair, or clothing of saints, are believed to carry divine power or blessings.

Historically, reliquaries were crafted using precious materials such as gold, silver, ivory, and gems, to reflect the sacredness of what they contained.

These intricate containers varied greatly in form and design depending on the time period, region, and specific religious tradition. Some reliquaries took the shape of the saint's body, while others were designed as miniature chapels or shrines, often adorned with detailed carvings, enamel work, or filigree.

Image: Arm Reliquary

Reliquaries Reimagined

I have reimagined the reliquary in ceramic, taking a more personal and philosophical approach to its meaning. In my practice, a reliquary is a type of altar that elevates whatever is lovingly placed within it, communicating to both yourself and others that these objects have sacred importance.

Ephemera

Ephemera are objects of short-lived value, like a receipt or a ticket stub. Some people collect this type of ephemera in a scrapbook or journal, romanticising the mundane. In my practice, I often consider life and culture on a much larger time scale, and from this perspective, something we cherish for years, or even our whole lives, can be seen as ephemeral. Even our bodies are ephemeral, as they are only temporary vessels for our souls.

The objects we treasure are imbued with a part of our spirit, whether it’s the jewellery we keep close to our bodies or the collections we revere. Placing these ephemeral items in a reliquary is a grounding spiritual practice that reminds us that everyday rituals are special.

Altar Activation

The unused reliquary is an expression of my feelings of emptiness and lack of grounding derived from the gap in my knowledge about the traditional spiritual practices of my Maltese heritage. Once a reliquary has been activated through use as a vessel for special and sacred objects, this tension is resolved by the forging of new, personal rituals.

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