Whether at the entrance to the village, in between two buildings supporting walls or over doorways and windows as a structural work of beauty, the arches in Piegaro are so beautiful to behold. What is really cool is that for centuries there were three main entrances into Piegaro through arches. These arches were necessary because they formed a natural blockade to close up the city in case of attack, and at the same time offered a welcome to guests for the bulk of history. Currently there are two entrance arches, and both are new since World War II when this lovely town sustained major damage.
The beauty of these arches lies not only in their physical esthetics, but also in the archetitect necessity of them and the metaphors they represent. People are drawn to the arches, whether the tourists as the take numerous photos, folks who have found my blog from googling for such an image, but especially the people of the community who utilize the entrance arches for celebrations.
During the night of the processions for Holy Week, Thursday, when Jesus entered into Jerusalem triumphantly they entered into the most ancient arch/gate from the older church and Friday the night of Jesus’ death they did not go through any arches. The difference it made in the mood of the evenings was immense.
That seems to be something that arches provoke, mood. I remember last year in Todi hearing a thick Texan accent: “Where’s Laverne? She’s probably down one of these damn alleys taking pictures of the arches again.” What had stirred Laverne’s creative imagination only annoyed her husband, but both were strong feelings/moods. One telling note is that my greatest “blind” hits to these blogs has been in image searches for arches, they evoke feelings in people world-wide. They are so beautiful.
But arches are more than beauty, they are strength. The are used as a structural device to hold more weight. In Piegaro the are used to support rooms that span streets, one for a bridge, to support walls on either sides of a street, or even simply to support the wall over a door or window. These great brick and stone buildings need support. This for me is one of the greatest attractions of the arches, there is something magic in the fact that something so beautiful is so strong, or in reverse, that something so strong is so beautiful. Isn’t this a mark of great value and quality, not only in things, but also in people.
One totally inappropriate phrase I have not only heard, but confess to have used multiple times is looking for a man with “balls of brass and heart of gold,” someone with strength and goodness, inner beauty. It is not only something we look for in others, but is a goal most of us have for ourselves. We want to know that we are able to meet any challenge in life, but also have that sense of beauty. One of the Mary’s Calendars in past years was even named the “Strength and Beauty” calendar. It featured beautiful photos of the women with their stories of strength as they overcame homelessness and the root causes of homelessness: domestic violence, poverty, and addiction.
When I see so many visible signs of strength and beauty around me, it is so reassuring. When gazing upon these visions that are metaphors for entrances, support and possibilities, I find hope.
Do you have anything in your life that is a visual reminder of values you cherish?
What do you see that inspires you to strength and beauty within?
How do you utilize your own strength and beauty?
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