RIVER: And you would be correct---that's why it's funny--almost anyone raised in a Christian culture would get it, but my Communist-raised coworker instead saw it through the lens of Emoji culture.
Plus "the praying hands" is pretty Protestant image (tied specific paintings). Praying hands paintings are not (usually) part of Orthodox or Catholic imagery (it's not a common prayer position in those traditions either). So I wouldn't be surprised someone from Eastern Europe didn't know what it meant, even if they were pretty churched in their country. I would instantly peg this cross as American Lutheran.
I would think the hands on the cross are praying.
ReplyDeleteRIVER: And you would be correct---that's why it's funny--almost anyone raised in a Christian culture would get it, but my Communist-raised coworker instead saw it through the lens of Emoji culture.
ReplyDeletePlus "the praying hands" is pretty Protestant image (tied specific paintings). Praying hands paintings are not (usually) part of Orthodox or Catholic imagery (it's not a common prayer position in those traditions either). So I wouldn't be surprised someone from Eastern Europe didn't know what it meant, even if they were pretty churched in their country. I would instantly peg this cross as American Lutheran.
ReplyDeleteSad, in a way. It's funny how much our cultures shape us and keep us from some things.
ReplyDeleteSANDI: Yes, we in the US don't usually hear the full story of Communist citizens' experiences.
ReplyDelete