The Great Pyramid by: Shabaz Khimani

General description:
The Great Pyramids in Egypt are considered to be the seventh wonder of the world, which are located near the Giza. The pyramids are the world’s largest pyramid structure in the world. It is built out of 2.3 million sand colored stones, which pile up to reach the great heights of 450 feet high. This massive structure has an incredible large base which concludes to be 756 wide from one corner of the pyramid to another. This great structure was built in the range of 4,200 years and 4,700 years ago, when the Egyptian empire ruled most of the continent of Asia.

Architectural Design:
The tools used to create the pyramids, were very small, and not every inventive compared to our time. But the precision of the countless of 1000’s of salves who were involved in building the pyramids was hard to believe. According to http://www.unmuseum.org/kpyramid.htm there was only around an 8 inch difference between the 4 sides of the pyramids. The pyramids involved seven main components; the King’s chamber, Queen’s chamber, Greaves shaft, ascending passages, descending passages, the Grand gallery, and the Vents. The Great pyramids have been used by many teachers of mathematics and science to show the great balance used by the Egyptian architects The Golden Ratio was created by the design and the intense geometry used to create this massive structure. The great design of the pyramids has allowed the structure to have lasted the wear and tear of the powerful grainy winds of the Egyptian desert, for over 4,500 years.

Harmony with Nature:
The great pyramids have a special quality, of camouflage, with the 2,300,000 stones used to create the pyramids, composed of fragments of the signature yellow sands of the Egyptian deserts. With the pyramids being made up of the same material as its surrounding, the instant effects to the environment has been minimized. The pyramids, being considered as the seventh wonder of the world, not for only the great geometry and design of the pyramids, but they also because the pyramids bring a majestic ambiance

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Symbolism and Sacred Objects:
Many people believed that the great pyramids were created to be a tomb for the great pharaoh, but that would be the wrong case. According to http://www.eridu.co.uk/Author/egypt/pyramid.html , “According to Egyptologists, the true pyramid (i.e. the smooth-sided pyramid) was a solar symbol, its shape signifying the rays of the Sun falling to the earth. In keeping with this theory, the pyramid’s capstone, benbenet, is held to have been a solar icon or ‘Sun-stone’.” It was also considered to be a place where the pharaohs were believed to have been able to communicate with the Gods. This brings us to the last category.

How it is used by Worshippers:
‘Pyramid of Secrets’ was believed to be a place the high royalty was able to communicate with the ideal gods. With the shape of the pyramids, looked as a place where the earth could connect with the sky and the sun. This illusion helped strengthen the believe of the pathway to the gods went through the Great Pyramids.

Sources:
http://www.unmuseum.org/kpyramid2.htm
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit2/unit2.html
http://www.eridu.co.uk/Author/egypt/pyramid.html

The Dome of Rock by: Justin Lander

General Description

Dome of the Rock, located in Jerusalem, is located in the area of the second holiest place for Muslims as well as arguably the most sacred location in Judaism. It was built by Yazid Ibn Salam from Jerusalem and Raja Ibn Haywah from Baysan sometime between the years 685 and 691 CE, and commissioned by the Umayyid Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Murwan. Prior to the creation of the Dome of the Rock, the location was home to what followers of Judaism refer to as the “Temple Mount” and Muslims refer to as the “Noble Sanctuary.” It is important to know that that there are three masjids (places for Muslims to pray) in the sacred area where Dome of the Rock is located and the area that houses all three is believed to be sacred. Originally, the Temple Mount was expanded, and then destroyed by the invasion of the Romans in 70 CE, only to be conquered by Muslims during the Islamic invasion of the Byzantine Empire in 637 CE.

Architectural Design

The Dome of the Rock is most identifiable by its golden dome, separating it from the nearby Al-Aqsa Masjid, which is often mistaken for the Dome of the Rock. The dome is covered with 80 kilograms of real gold that was donated by King Hussein of Jordan. Starting with the dome itself, it has been noted by A.C. Creswell in his book Origin of the Plan of the Dome of the Rock that those who built the structure made use of the measurements of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is also located in Jerusalem. The dome’s diameter measures 20 meters and 20 centimeters and its height is 20 meters and 48 centimeters. The dome rests on an elevated drum which contains 16 piers and columns, and attaches to a larger octagonal arcade that consists of 24 piers and columns. The shrine gets its name from the rock surface that is housed by the large arcade.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects

Contrary to popular belief, the Dome of the Rock is not the site in which the Prophet Muhammad made his voyage to heaven. The Quran states that the Prophet began his voyage to heaven from the near-by Al-Aqsa masjid. Inside the main arcade of the Dome of the Rock there is an uneven rock surface which is known by the Jews as the “Rock of Moriah” or the “Foundation Stone”, located at the center of the entire sacred area. The exterior is covered in colorful mosaics along with many scriptures from the Quran. Many of these scriptures from the Quran tell the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s voyage to heaven. Others have been selected to express Islam’s commitment to absolute monotheism. Some of these scriptures have also been chosen to show the world that the Quran also speaks at great lengths about the life of Jesus, son of Mary, and that Muslims not only believe that Jesus was a Prophet of God but also share with Christians the belief that Jesus will once again return to Earth.
The entire area is significant not only to Muslims and Jews, but also to Christians. The near-by Al-Aqsa masjid is believed by some Christians to be the exact location of the former Temple of Solomon. Some of these Christians believe that Jesus will return to Earth only after the Temple of Solomon is rebuilt over the current Al-Aqsa masjid.

How it is used by Worshippers

Muslims can pray at the Dome of the Rock, and some do. However, prayer in a congregation is not held at Dome of the Rock. Prayer led by an Imam (religious leader) is held at the near-by Al-Aqsa masjid. The Dome of the Rock is open for visitors during certain parts of the day, except Fridays, Saturdays, and Muslim holidays.

Sources:

Origin of the Plan of the Dome of the Rock. by Sir K.A.C. Creswell, Published in 1924, British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem. Supplementary papers., 2
The Meaning of the Umayyad Dome of the Rock, Nasser Rabbat, Muqarnas, Vol. 6, (1989), pp. 12-21
http://www.islamonline.net/english/In_Depth/Al-Israa_Al-Miraj/articles/09/article11.shtml
Islamic Architecture: form, function, and meaning. by Robert Hillenbrand, Published 1994, Columbia University Press

Shinto Shrine by: Shama Lakhani

General Description:

Shinto Shrines are places of worship that house the Shinto gods called kami. The shrine is similar to a safe haven where the kami are protected. These shrines are visited by people when they wish to pray for fortunes for their future or when they want to pay their respects to the Shinto gods. People also visit these shrines on special occasions and sometimes have ceremonies there.

Architectural Design:

Today, only a few shrines are considered to be built in a completely Japanese style. The Shinto Shrine’s general structure is in Buddhist origin. Nagere-zukuri and Tisha-zurkuri are two styles the foundation of the shrines is made in. There are various structures to the Shinto Shrine and each part has a different purpose. The honden is the kami sanctuary. The heiden is the part where prayers and offers are presented. The main hall, honden, and the offering hall, heiden, are sometimes combined or separated in two buildings depending on the structure of the shrine. The torii is the entrance to the shrine. Most of these entrances are made of wood and usually painted orange and black. Komainu are guardian dogs that are placed at the entrance of the shrine. The purification trough is a fountain found near the entrance. The water in this fountain is used for purification.

Harmony with Nature:

“The Japanese have always felt in awe of nature, offering prayers to divinities and expressing gratitude through festivals at shrines.” Japanese culture has always valued nature; therefore, these Shinto Shrines display a great amount of nature. In Japan from about 500 BC to 300 AD, the Japanese felt the presence of spirits in nature. The Japanese believed that parts of nature and sometimes animals were thought to be charged with spiritual power. Village council sessions were in quiet spots in the forest, mountains, and other nature areas.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects:

The Shinto Shrine symbolizes Japanese culture and Buddhist religious and spiritual beliefs. Most sacred objects of worship to the Shinto gods are placed in the innermost chamber. These objects are not visible to anybody. People visiting the shrine leave wooden plates there which they write their desires on. This sacred wooden plate is known as Ema. Omikuji, found at several shrines, are slips of paper that tell various fortunes and predictions. When the paper slip is tied around a tree branch, it symbolizes good fortune. A big tree, yorishiro, can be found in many shrines, with a shimenawa, a sacred rope, around it. The Yorishiro is now an object of worship. The shimenawa symbolizes the boundary to something sacred.

How the shrine is used by Worshippers:

When shrine visitors first come for worship to the shrine, they must go to the chozuya and wash their hands and mouth. The visitor then goes under a gateway, which is the sacred space where spirituality is found. The visitor bows at the entrance (torii) to show his or her respects to the kami. As mentioned above, a visitor of the shrine can tie the Omikuji around a tree in hopes of good fortune. This tree, yorishiro, is also a place of worship. The shrines are also used by worshippers as places to hold ceremonies and celebrate special occasions.


Sources:

"Google Images." Shinto Shrine. Google, 2009. Web. .

Nakano, Hiroko. "Quintessential Kyoto — The Shinto Shrine." International Edition (2004): n. pag. Web. 15 Nov 2009. .

"Shinto Shrine." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Web. .

"Shinto Shrines." Japan Guide. 1996. Japan-Guide, Web. 15 Nov 2009. .

Saint Catherine Monastery Mount Sinai by: Carolyn D. Lathan

General Description

Saint Catherine’s Monastery lies on the Sinai Peninsula, at the foot of Mount Sinai. It is also known as The Monastery of Transfiguration and it has been called the oldest working Christian monastery and the smallest diocese in the world. St. Catherine’s Monastery was constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565 AD. St. Catherine’s body was allegedly carried away by angels and found 500 years later at the top of the peak that now bears her name. Emperor Justinian built the monastery to protect the monks in the region and to honor what is said to be the site of the Burning Bush. The monastery is also dedicated to Moses and Elias, both holy prophets who came to the mountain to speak with Christ. It has now been designated an UNESCO world heritage site.

Architectural Design

Mount Saint Catherine is situated at an altitude of 4854 feet in a very deep and narrow rocky valley. It is at the highest point in the Sinai Peninsula, standing 2,637 meters in height. The walls are made of granite and they measure 8 to 35 meters tall. The inside is equally impressive with its narrow passages and steep staircases leading to different levels on each floor.

Harmony with Nature

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is in a located in the desert and a region of the wilderness made up of granite rock and rugged mountains. Gardens and beautiful cypress trees surrounds it.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects

She was severely tortured for her Christian faith and eventually put to death by Emperor Maximus. She tried to convert the Emperor from Paganism to Christianity. He decided to execute her. He had blades attached to four wooden wheels, which were set on 2 axes rotating in opposite directions. She was strapped to it, but was not harmed. The Emperor became angry and decided to have her beheaded. The church of St. Catherine in Alexandria stands on the spot where she was martyred. Inside the church is a marble block to which she was strapped. It is said that her body was carried away by angels and placed on the top of a peak that now bears her name. Another Sacred Object is The Burning Bush; this bush is where God revealed himself to Moses. God manifested himself in visible form; this is significance to all Christian in the world. It is sacred to three major world religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Saint Catherine’s has been a center of Christian worship and thought for over 1600 years, containing one of the worlds most ancient and important libraries. Its 2000 manuscripts in Greek, 700 in Arabic, 300 in Syriac, 100 in Georgian and Armenian, 40 in Slavonic and 1 Latin recall sixteen centuries of Christianity.


How is it used by Worshippers?

The monks hold their public worship at the Chapel of the Burning Bush every Saturday. Anyone entering must remove their shoes as it’s written in the bible: “put off thy shoes from off thy feet for the place whereon thou standst is holy ground…” (Exodus 3:5) Pilgrims have traveled there for thousands of years to worship. It takes about 3 hours to climb to the top of the peek following the Path of Moses. There are nearly 4000 steps, but this does not deter worshipper from all over the world. Christians has come here for over 2000 years to worship.



Sources

http://www.sinaimonastery.com/
http://www.touregypt.net/Catherines.htm
http://www.umich.edu/~kelseydb/Excavation/St_Catherine.html

Temple of Heaven by: Heather Kilgore

The Altar and Temple of Heaven :

The Temple of Heaven, originally known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, is a beautiful and ornate group of buildings that comprise a Taoist worship site in Beijing, China. The temple was built between 1406- 1420 during the Ming Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Yong Le (Yong Le also oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City during this time as well). Later, under the rule of Emperor Jia Jing, the Temple became the Temple of Heaven as separate complexes were built for the earth, sun, and moon.
The Temple of Heaven is a stunning complex that houses smaller altars and buildings, as well as gardens that combine architecture, symbolism, and numerology. Two very common geometric shapes are seen throughout the Temple. Circles often comprise the shape of the buildings, while squares contain the buildings whether it is the actual foundation or the perimeter of the buildings. This is symbolic in that circles represent Taoist conception of Heaven, because circles are infinite and do not contain boundaries, as the square does, which represents Earth. And so, here we see how architecture is a crucial connection between the spiritual world and the physical world. Color choice was also chosen carefully, as most of the roofs of the temple structures are tiled in blue, which also represents heaven and the sky, while the interior of many of the buildings is tiled in yellow, which represents the emperor. There are three main structures in the Temple of Heaven: the Altar of Heaven, which is a circular three tiered structure that stones arranged in groups of three or nine. Both of these numbers are significant in Chinese numerology, and the number nine represents the Emperor. The second structure is the Echo Wall and Imperial Vault of Heaven, so named because a person can clearly hear a whisper spoken at the other end of the wall. The Imperial Vault of Heaven contained the Emperor’s ancestral tablets and resembled a smaller version of the third structure within the Temple, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (pictured above). The Hall is a monumental three tiered wooden structure that sits atop a three tiered marble foundation. Here, once again, we see the number three as significant in the Chinese numerology. The hall is where the Emperor spent the majority of his time during the harvest ritual.
Historically, the Temple was used as a worship site for the Emperor to fast and commune with the gods to insure a good harvest. This began by a sacred bi-annual procession consisting of ministers, eunuchs, and the Emperor himself, who was regarded as the Son of the Harvest. It was forbidden for any common citizen to view the procession let alone enter the sacred Temple of Heaven complex. Inside, the Emperor would offer prayers and sacrifices to the gods in exchange for good fortune and harvest for the entire empire. Today, the Temple of Heaven has been transformed into a beautiful park where tourists and residents can come and enjoy the history and nature that is offered there. Musicians, Tai Chi masters, singers, kite flyers, dancers and game players are all part of current festivities taking place in the Temple today.


Sources:
http://www.kinabaloo.com/temple_of_heaven.html
http://www.cctv.com/lm/176/71/88864.html