Enrich your experience at A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2016 with these elaborate performances. But first, find out what they mean.
In spiritual cultures all over the world, the ritual is an indispensable component that not only defines identity, but
Enrich your experience at A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2016 with these elaborate performances. But first, find out what they mean.
In spiritual cultures all over the world, the ritual is an indispensable component that not only defines identity, but also creates a transitional space between the physical and spirit worlds. It brings a sense of tradition, is transformative in nature, and is as much a performance for the divine as it is an act of faith. It also serves the purpose of strengthening belief while attending to the (spiritual) well-being of participants.
Many rituals involve music and dance, some of which are highly elaborate and feature vibrant costumes and intricately carved masks. There is something deeply symbolic and meaningful about wearing them. Costumes are known to enable their wearers to project a different self. Similarly, masks imbue power and have the ability to transform one’s identity.
As A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2016 draws near, check out visually powerful ritual performances from five cultures featured this year. Learn what the costumes and masks symbolise.
Ritual: for purification
In Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, Friday is a sacred day for the believers of Candomblé, a syncretic religion based on African beliefs but with elements of Catholicism. It is the day of purification, and they dress in white in honour of Oxala, the god of creation. The women don crinolines and laced cotton dresses adorned with colourful belts and beaded accessories, and cover their heads with a turban.
Once the ritual has started and the orixás (deities) have been summoned, those who have been possessed by them are led away, only to return in beautiful sparkling costumes. The change in clothing indicates a connection with the deities, the colours of which represent the different orixás that have taken over.
There are more than 400 orixás in the pantheon of deities, 11 of which are primary gods. Each has a favourite colour and rhythm by which it is summoned.
White represents Oxala, who controls the functions of reproduction and procreation.
Yellow gold is the colour of Oxum, the protector of spiritual intuition and destiny, who is also represented by the lê, the smallest drum in the atabaque.
The colours red and white represent the deities Xangô and Iansã, who are the god and goddess of storm and lightning.
Ritual: for exorcism, purification, blessings, meditation, to bring balance, or to present offerings to deities
Rooted in millennia-old Confucianism, divination, and animatism, Taoist rituals are known to be highly dramatic and steeped in symbolism. Priests use a number of sacred items to carry out their rites. From incense meant to attract the gods and carry messages to the heavens, to swords for exorcism and purification, almost every instrument and article has a symbolic meaning and can only be used in certain rites.
As visually stunning and decorative as Taoist ceremonial robes look, they represent the power a priest has over the cosmic energy, and can only be worn by authorised masters conducting the rites. Embroidered on these robes are usually the symbols of the yin and yang, the five elements, as well as those of the I-Ching, all of which are sewn by hand and can take several months to make. They come in many colours, which are specific to the rite performed, and can cost up to $1,000, depending on the amount of handiwork required.
Apart from the robe, other elements of Taoist ceremonial attire include:
- A headdress, which is usually a black skull cap with a metal crown on top, called the crown of gold, and a flame-shaped pin that signifies a priest who has been ordained. The flame symbolises one’s energy, or the chi that emanates from one’s body;
- Shoes shaped like boats, decorated with cloud patterns which symbolise the priest’s ability to “pace the void” (transcend physical boundaries) and carry messages to the heavens;
- A square apron made of silk, wrapped around the waist and worn in honour of the gods.
Malaysia’s Mah Meri
Ritual: for thanksgiving
Best known for their tradition of spiritual carvings, the art of the Mah Meri tribe of West Malaysia draws heavily on their spiritual and animistic beliefs. One of their mos