Feb 15 2008
Exploring the Term “Relic” - Definition, News & Application
I was sniffing around online for some good treasure stories (nothing new there, folks) and I found several articles concerning relics. They’re all interesting and I’ll share the stories in a second, but first I want to define the word “relic” because man, o man, this word get tossed around the Internet a LOT.
Princeton University defines a relic as “an antiquity that has survived from the distant past.” Which is a great, generic definition. But who defines how much time constitutes “distant?”
The definitions don’t stop there. According to various online sources, a relic can be defined as “an object associated with a saint, martyr, or Christ which is preserved and seen as worthy of special honor and reverence.” Or “a leftover creation of the Ancients. Most are in very bad shape, but a few are mysteriously preserved.” Or even “an object, especially a piece of the body or a personal item of someone of religious significance, carefully preserved with an air of veneration as a tangible memorial.”
When I think of how many metal detectors are targeted to “relic hunters” or known as “relic hounds,” I get really confused. The only thing that these definitions all have in common is that a relic is something old. Try a simple Google search for the term “Define: Relic” and see what comes up. I was surprised by how many credible websites associate relics with religion.
I shouldn’t be too surprised, however, because all of today’s articles focus on (go ahead, guess), religious relics.
The International Herald Tribune is reporting a road show of sorts for Vatican art and relics. This is really exciting news as the show features Pope Benedict XVI’s Fisherman’s ring and the Mandylion of Edessa. Both are items that have NEVER left Rome and the latter is deemed by the church as an artifact “not made by human hands.” Other pieces include moasics dating as far back as the eight century, a compass supposedly used by Michaelangelo and over 150 portraits, statues and papal vestments. Check out the entire article at: A ‘Taste’ of Vatican Art, Relics on Display. They’ll only be going to three cities in the U.S.; St. Petersburg, FL, Clevland, OH and St. Paul, MN. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to check out the Florida exhibit before it’s gone.
Speaking of the Vatican, I found another article that was published on CatholicNewsAgency.com which denounces the sales of religious relics on eBay as “totally unacceptable business.” I think most of us would agree that some things are sacred, but if you dig it up (from the ground, from within a thrift shop or from the back of someone’s garage) isn’t it yours to do with as you please?
Thankfully I think this is more of a warning then a curse as Cardinal Saravia warned that relics offered on eBay may be fake or stolen. BUT - only the objects blessed by the Church are considered authentic.
But wait,… according to our Internet definitions, if it’s old and it miraculously survived several centuries, then it’s a relic - no matter who blessed it.
The last article I found about relics today seemed much more reasonable and appears to be a true application of the term. The U.K.’s Evening News reports that a large collection of Roman artifacts is going on public display for the first time - 30 years after they were first dug up by an amateur archaeologist!
Ahhh,… now here is an application of the term “relic” that warms my heart!
Almost 50 boxes of artifacts, which includes pots, figurines and leather sandals, were dug up between 1970 and 1980. They’ve been stored in boxes in the “amateur archaeologist’s” house *coughProbablyAMetalDetectoristcough* this whole time and will now go on display with his field notes and excavation photographs of their removal.
The collection apparently represents all aspects of daily Roman life over a period of 350 years. It’s a large collection and includes organic material (a leather sandal, wooden boards from a well) that usually doesn’t tend to survive.
Check out the article in its entirety here: Roman Relics To Go On Show In City.
Have a great weekend everyone, and happy hunting!
- Shaun
