Wooden churches in Eastern Europe Essay Example for Free

Wooden churches in Eastern Europe Essay Wooden churches in Eastern Europe represent distinctive feature of regional cultural heritage and are probably the most valuable contribution of this land to the world art treasury. In this research we will make an attempt to make in-depth analysis of relationships between architecture and design of these historical constructions in the light of local traditions and lifestyle. The study is divided into two parts illustrating materials and techniques used to create these fascinating buildings and key design principles tightly associated with regional culture. Construction materials and techniques. In Slavic world wooden constructions were dominant until mid-1950s. Vast territories covered with forest provided cheap, solid, and easy-to-access building material used for domestic, industrial, economic, defensive, public, and religious units. Most ancient architectural monuments of that area trace their roots back to early 10th century which is also recorded in chronicles and modern ethnographic materials. Traditionally architects recognize three styles of Eastern European wooden churches including Hutsul style (originated from the name of ethnical group in Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains), Gothic style, and Baroque churches adopted from western civilization . Hutsul churches have brought to us the oldest manner of Eastern European church building based on the principle of trinity – a church has three parts, three sections, and three towers. A Baroque tower gave name to 22 Baroque churches in this area. Churches with high spires and turrets represent the famous Gothic style in local communities. All wooden sacred monuments are based on log construction allowing various solutions in terms of horizontal planning and exterior design. Apart from quadrate frame, unique polygonal constructional forms are observed here especially in altar rooms. Fir, spruce, and pine were widely used in constructing non-load-bearing parts of the building while oak, red spruce, and yew were applied while creating bearers and ribbands for the construction. Typically, buildings were placed on strong foundation stones joined together by clay, lime, and sand. Older generations remember seeing eggs, bull’s blood, and breast milk combined together as an admixture for making the building stronger and more resistant to rains and storms . Initially for religious reasons no nail was used to make timber works and other constructional elements firm. This practice was very common to many wooden churches throughout entire region and some parts of Russia where this architectural phenomenon was present. Numerous conducted studies and artifacts found show that no-nail technique undoubtedly has to do with associations with crucifixion. To solve this problem local craftsmen were trying to create climate-friendly unions to keep construction in one piece. Their invention of unique blazes on assembling unions made it possible to start building churches without iron nails with decreasing use of even oak wedges. Unlike Slavs, German tribes preferred pole and light-frame constructions. This type of wooden temples can be encountered in England and Northern Europe including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Similar architectural style has spread in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland. The second biggest heritage of wooden temples is possessed by Norway and has strong historical roots directly connected with era of Vikings and their friendly relationships with Slavs . Exterior and interior design. One of the most distinctive features of monumental architecture is triple design symbolizing Trinity. Significant number of wooden churches consist of three parts emphasized by three towers. The middle log of the temple is the biggest construction with square shape which has altar room inside. The front part is a shorter copy of the middle log and serves as an assembly hall for nuns. The back part behind the altar room is the highest one and since it is always facing east as the beginning of a new day and life it has become a landmark for many travelers. Traditionally, location of all three parts corresponds to laws of symmetry which means that horizontal axis of the wooden church intersects with its vertical axis in the very middle of the building . In Middle Ages this so-called â€Å"triple style† was popular throughout entire territory of Kyiv Rus being applied on concrete churches as well. Irrelevant of construction material or religion practiced in the church Slavs would always build their churches on top of a hill or in some remote area. Only rare spiritual architectural monuments are located in the village downtown. People from Eastern European community still believe that both wooden and concrete churches are too sacred to be situated somewhere close to the city downtown full of noise and turmoil. Sacral buildings in Eastern Europe (primarily east of Slovakia and west of Ukraine) frequently had pronounced decorations on shingles. Wood carving ornaments covered approximately two thirds of the entire exterior design of the church. Rich decorations were stipulated by great number of carpenters and craftsmen who polished their talents on regular basis due to never-ending forests in the area. Many are still fascinated by remarkable iconostasis as a key and most valuable part of any church interior design. In wooden churches iconostasis is placed in altar room separating it from back part of the building. Iconostasis is a wall picturing sacred paintings decorated with gold. Together these paintings represent iconography which requires strict observance of holy rules and selection of topics. Typical iconostasis in wooden churches have three exits. The main one is located in the middle and is designed especially for the main priest. Two other ones house secondary priests and deacons which are not allowed to use the main exit decorated with carved vermeil. Many wooden temples in modern Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine preserved ornamental conical, A-line, and pyramidal domes. Impacted by baroque, quadrangular roofs acquired four more corners turning into octagonal domes. Regardless of refusal from iron nails metal was still used to create additional functional details including crosses, gates, and window ironwork. Metal crosses placed on the top of each dome embodied creativity and talent of local artists. Apart from esthetic purposes, exterior and interior designs of wooden temples performed educational function as well. Artists painted walls using simple tools to educate people with Old and New Testaments. To do that they chose the finest wall of the temple with no windows or doors. Then using simple paint and brushes to make foliated lines on the wall they pictured Jesus, Maria, prophets, disciples, and evangelists. Interestingly enough, non-religious episodes were also portrayed on those walls which corresponded to feelings and thoughts of people at that time rather than specific sacral motives. Some icon illustrations were linked to specific life situations and peculiarities of local community which perceived some saints as guarantors for their existence and prosperity. Most frequent images included St. George who based on local beliefs was helping farmers, St. Nicholas who protected houses from fire and guaranteed well-being for carpenters, St. Michael as a sky warrior, and many other religious spirits. Such icons are marked with particularly exuberant ornament and thoroughly selected colors . Some of wooden temples in eastern part of Europe were not saved due to weather impacts and other negative influences. This is especially concerned World War I and World War II. Also active migration of local communities had negative effect on architectural monuments in general. However, once the church was built by permanent local community it was being taken care of appropriately. Experts in the field of sacred architecture say, Eastern Europeans created design and architecture for their religious buildings that would remind them of closeness with nature and necessity to enrich inner world on regular basis. This is the reason why interior design alongside with its iconostasis and paintings are so exuberant and rich. Unlike Latin churches, wooden temples in this part of the world fascinate by its perfect combination with surrounding environment. Color scheme here plays one of the most important parts since green forests and deep brown represent perfect match . Because of the painful losses in local wooden architecture the cultural value of each saved church has considerably increased and all wooden churches constructed in traditional manner are to be protected irrespective of age. In conclusion it would be appropriately to note that wooden churches in Eastern Europe symbolize peculiarities of local communities including religious beliefs, lifestyles, and geographical location. They represent special interest in comparison to other highlands such as the Alps which offer no architectural contribution whatsoever. Educative function of wooden temples remains very valuable even today since wall paintings provide better view of historical reality. Due to its geographical location eastern regions of Europe have been equally influenced by neighboring cultures but still managed to preserve their own architectural identity. Works Cited Bragg, Rick. Wooden Churches: A Celebration. New York: Algonquin Books, 1999. Patterson, Joby. Wooden Churches of the Carpathians: A Comparative Study. Bratislava: East European Monographs, 2001. Sopoliga, Miroslav. Pearls of Folk Architecture. London: Brand House, 1996

The Right Of Autonomy :: essays research papers

The Right of Autonomy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Political philosophy is the philosophy of the state. A state is a group of people who have supreme authority within a given territory or over a certain population, according to Wolf. Authority then, is the right to command and the right to be obeyed which is different from power. Power in Wolff's terms, is the â€Å"ability to compel compliance.† Moral autonomy is â€Å"a submission to laws which one has made for oneself.† Wolf believes that there is a problem between authority and autonomy. Autonomy overrides the importance of authority. He also thinks that classical democracy fails to be a solution to this problem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An autonomous person is not subject to the will of another. This is thought to be the primary obligation of man. In political philosophy, autonomy is a refusal to be ruled, and authority of the state is the right to rule, there is a conflict. If a man fulfills his obligation to autonomy, then he will go against the claim by the state to have authority over him. Wolf states, â€Å"He will deny that he has a duty to obey the laws of the state simply because they are the laws.† This is the major conflict with political authority. Some philosophers believe that a solution to this problem is the concept of democracy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This argument says that if men rule themselves then they would be both the law givers and followers, combining autonomy with authority. â€Å"His obligation to submit to the laws stems not from the divine right of the monarch, nor from the hereditary authority of a noble class, but from the fact that he himself is the source of the laws which govern him.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wolf doesn't think that it fully solves the problem between authority and autonomy. A unanimous direct democracy is the closest to resolving the conflict, yet in only exists in theory. Representative democracy seems to solve the problems of unanimous direct democracy, but it too, has its problems. Its problems lie in the fact that it is incredibly difficult for everyone to be truly represented. If one is not, then their autonomy is sacrificed. Another possible democratic solution is majoritarian democracy. The problem with this comes with those people who are in the minority. The minority voice is limiting their autonomy because they are obeying something that they do not will. Here Wolf again shows democracy fails to solve the problem between authority and

The Quiet Revolution

The Quiet Revolution The purpose of this paper is to analyze the aspects of The Quiet Revolution on Quebec, and how the changes implemented by Lesage made Quebec the province it is today. The Quiet Revolution was only quiet at name; it triggered many conflicts that appeared in Quebec. The province began to move away from Catholic Church with the help of nationalists, leaving Quebec reformed and quite different from how it was before the 1960’s. Before the Quiet Revolution, Quebec was majorly formed of rural population.They believed that rural was much better than urban, but due to large families and the lack of good land, it pushed most Quebeckers to move to the cities. By 1921, half of Quebec’s population was urbanized. Manufacture industries of textile and shoes located in Quebec, were attracting many Quebeckers to work. The schools of Quebec were owned by the Catholic Church, and were mostly run by priests, nuns and brothers. The Quiet Revolution was a period between 1960 and 1966; it was mainly a period of political, social and economic change (Winston Knoll Collegiate).The Union Nationale party was in power since 1944, it held conservative outdated values. The election of June 1960 was the beginning of revolutionary changes that were about to happened in Quebec. The election of June 22nd 1960, when the Liberal Party of Quebec ran by Jean Lesage finally won 51. 5% against Union Nationale. â€Å"The main issue of the election was indicated by the Liberal slogan, â€Å"It's time for a change†(The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2012)†. The government under Lesage began new era with open debates, changing the political electoral map so each urban area would be well represented.The government changed the voting age from 21 to 18. Lesage by increasing loans, made the budget grow from $745 million to $2. 1 billion in less than six years. The Baby Boom generation that had reached adolescence put a lot of pressure on Quebec’s poor educatio nal system; the role of Catholic Church was quite criticized and abolished pushing the government into creating a department of education, the Parent Report created a school system available to the entire population.One of the major accomplishments by the government in the economic sector was the nationalization of private electricity companies, an idea that was introduced by Rene Levesque, a minister of natural resources. The government of Jean Lesage encouraged industrialization, promoting investments and guaranteeing economic benefits through the buy-Quebec policy, all these objectives were met when Hydro-Quebec became the symbol of success and economic resources. The creation of â€Å"caisse de depot et placement du Quebec† triggered the creation of the Quebec pension plan, which immediately grew to billion dollars.Quebec’s favorite slogan that had huge improvements was the â€Å"maitres chez nous† (masters in our own house) which promoted and influenced fed eral-provincial relations. The demands that were imposed by Lesage were largely met. â€Å"Lesage forced the federal government to accept Quebec's withdrawal from several cost-sharing programs and to compensate Quebec fiscally (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2012)†. Therefore Quebec was the only province that had the right to withdraw. Thus, the conflicts then rose between the English Canadians and the French Canadian. The federal Pearson Liberal government established the Royal Commission on bilingualism and biculturalism, which warned that Canada was passing through the greatest crisis in its history (The Quiet Revolution Changed Quebec Forver). Pearson liberal party to gain more strength and credibility hired three wise men; Jean Marchand, Gerard Pelletier and Pierre Eliott Trudeau. Quebec was gaining power and these changes made many different French Canadian nationalists for example; FLQ (Front de liberation du Quebec) believed that Quebec is a distinct society and worship s eparatism, which resulted in terrorism.In 1966, when Quebec faced elections they were confident of triumph, but the Union National had add changes to its image attracted more conservative voters and since the Quiet Revolution never really influenced the rural areas. On June 5th of 1966 the Union National won the elections against the Liberals. Although, the liberal party was elected in 1960 and defeated in 1966, Jean Lesage in 6 years of power had accomplished forceful changes; the French language took more place and importance in Canada, the welfare state; including the pension plan, Medicare and Hydro Quebec.The Quiet Revolution was an important point of reference in Quebec’s history; all governments elected in Quebec never omit to mention the importance and the positive consequences that it brought to Quebec. Words: 770 References 1. The Quiet Revolution changed Quebec Forever, http://www. llss. sd73. bc. ca/socials11/materials/chapter8/quiet_revn_changed_que_forever. pdf 2. October Crisis, The Quiet Revolution, http://www. historyofrights. com/flq1. html 3. The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2012 http://www. thecanadianencyclopedia. com/articles/quiet-revolution

The Past, Present, And Future Of Education - 1184 Words

The Past, Present, and Future of Education Essay Education is a foundation for a career and a lifestyle. It is the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools. It is defined as the process of gaining knowledge. Education is necessary because it provides the information we need rest of our lives. You need well-rounded education to be successful. Success is an individual definition and determines what education you need. Success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. A person feels successful when he/she achieves desired aims or attains prosperity. To be successful, we need specialized training. If you want a job you’ll need a college degree or specialized training. Education needs to include courses, diplomas, and training. You need courses to know what actually are studying about. You need diplomas because employers are looking people that are skills beyond and those that have a degree. The high school diploma is the basic diploma, you need to get a job. Education was unfair to most people up until the 1960’s. The Black people didn’t get the education they wanted. There were separated schools. There were Black schools and White schools. Black students got the old books that White students used. White students always got the new books. Blacks and Whites had separate proms, student governments, and sports teams and cheerleading squads. By 1950, the inequality in educational achievement between white students and minority studentsShow MoreRelatedThe Past, Present, And Future Of Education1072 Words   |  5 PagesLovepreet Singh Adkins Pd.3 The Past, Present, and Future of Education Essay Education is a foundation for a career and a lifestyle. It is the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools. It is defined as the process of gaining knowledge. Education is necessary because it provides the information we need rest of our lives. 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