Give thanks to the flame for its light, but don’t forget the one who holds the torch and stands in the shadows, unwavering in patience. Rabindranat Tagore, The Passing Birds
The sight of a lit oil lamp is an image that creates reflections of light, warmth, beauty, and hope in us, which continue to accompany us long after. Its brilliant, pure flame seems to possess some unusual power over our attention, as if it doesn’t allow us to look away, silently opening the doors of our inner world…
God in his star-filled temple awaits man to bring him his torch. Rabindranat Tagore, Fireflies
The richness of shapes and depictions on oil lamps have indicated, since ancient times, that they served not only for illumination but also had a deeper symbolic purpose in almost all traditions.
Historical records tell us that the oldest known form of an oil lamp was a hollowed-out stone with a wick. From this shape, predominantly circular clay vessels were developed, found in Mesopotamia and Egypt. In Minoan-Mycenaean culture, oil lamps
They are shaped like small containers with two elongated spouts for the wick. The Phoenicians spread this shape to countries around the Mediterranean. Over time, the oil lamps change shape, becoming more closed, acquiring a handle and ventilation openings.
In many religions and myths of ancient civilizations, light is a symbol of the divine, a symbol of holiness and goodness that conquers darkness.
In the Old Testament, the separation of light from darkness signifies the beginning of creation, and before the light, the earth was formless and empty; darkness spread over the abyss… (Genesis 1, 2), and in the New Testament, the light of the oil lamp is a symbol of God’s revelation. In Sufism, it represents the expression of the fundamental experience of divinity, while in Buddhism, the lamp signifies the transmission of Dharma (Buddha’s teaching).
The tradition of the ancient Greeks was continued by the Romans, during whose time oil lamps flourished, and their use spread throughout the Empire. Later, other peoples also adopted the use of oil lamps.
They were mostly made of clay, but bronze, lead, and silver lamps have also been found. the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. These oil lamps were traditionally made of clay, but over time, they began to be made from materials such as brass and amber glass as well. Nowadays, oil lamps have not only a functional purpose but also an equally important decorative role.
The flame met the earthy lantern within me, and what a radiant and magnificent light it produced!
Rabindranath Tagore, Fireflies
Oil lamps have been an integral part of Indian life since ancient times. From ancient times, Deepak or Diya is the Sanskrit name for oil lamps that are essential during festivals, as well as for daily worship of deities on small household altars throughout India. In some households, oil lamps are lit at dawn, in others at dawn and dusk, while in other places they are kept constantly burning. It is believed that lighting oil lamps brings peace, happiness, and prosperity.
However, lighting oil lamps also has a deep symbolic dimension as the light of the lamp is associated with knowledge, while darkness represents ignorance. One oil lamp can light many flames without diminishing its own flame; in the same way, knowledge can be transmitted and deepened to the mutual benefit of all.
What else could beautify a home
like the flame of a beloved oil lamp?
What else could adorn the mind
like the light of profound wisdom?
In Hinduism, the oil lamp is often associated with the goddess Rajarajeshwari, who is one of the forms of the Divine Mother, the primordial cosmic energy. She is attributed with the power of creation, preservation, and destruction. That is why oil lamps are often lit as an offering to her. Candles are considered sacred objects, and no ritual, prayer, or celebration begins without lighting them.
The oldest candles were made from snail shells and shells, coconut shells, hollowed stones, etc. Today they are made of clay, stone, or metal. Hindu deities are often depicted on candles, with the goddess Lakshmi being particularly popular, as she is associated with the festival of lights, Diwali, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness or good over evil.
Earlier examples of Roman candles show a multitude of details and multiple figures. In addition to the depiction of animals, there are also mythological motifs and depictions of deities (Jupiter, Neptune, Mercury, Aesculapius, Diana, Bacchus, Isis, and Serapis). A particularly popular motif during the 1st century was the depiction of Jupiter behind an eagle. From the middle of the 1st century, the former elaborate depictions are replaced by simpler and single-figured ones. The appearance of candles is focused solely on their functionality, which is why they are often without decoration, and if present, it is usually It portrays theater masks, the head of Eros, and plant and geometric patterns.
In addition to its practical and decorative purpose, the oil lamp also has its symbolic meaning. It is a symbol of light that dispels darkness and ignorance and brings clarity to our understanding of life. Its flame also reflects the yearning of our deepest being trapped in the material world, which is the discovery of the divine spark of light within ourselves.
Lumen
From ancient times
from distance to distance
flickers
burns
shimmers
for a horse in the mountains for a boat on the open sea
for the shadows of the dead for the gazes of the living…
holy
olive
oil.
Jure Kaštelan