Walking or driving around Poland, you often see little glass shrines like this with a small statue inside. I’ve also seen them in southern Germany, where there’s a strong Catholic tradition—sometimes the figure inside is Jesus on the cross, but around Poland, it’s more often Mary. She’s the primary patron saint of Poland and also, technically, the queen of Poland.
This particular shrine is halfway between my house and the post office, so I see it about once a week. Earlier this week we got a small burst of snow, and I thought it looked especially pretty with the red brick and glass case—somehow it seemed quite protective of this little Mary in the snow.
I’m not Catholic, but I’m quite fond of these shrines, especially since I never saw them before coming to Europe and certainly not as many as I’ve seen in Poland. Because they’re art—and visual art is strangely hard to find around here—I feel an almost physical sense of relief whenever I spot one. It’s like, someone has constructed something lovely and mysterious and emotional and simply popped it by the side of the street so we can all see.
And I love that they’re called “wayside shrines”. What a beautiful and evocative name, don’t you think?
Traditionally, they’re erected to commemorate the victim of an accident or a specific event that took place at that site. Without knowing the specific history behind this shrine, all I can think is that it’s such a lovely thing to see in what can otherwise be a fairly bleak environment, where the only other touch of color is the graffiti-tagged bus shelter nearby.
I’m also a fan of public art and this makes a very public statement. Yet it’s somehow softer and more touching than a giant stone statue or a big cathedral or memorial. This shrine is small—the glass case is maybe a foot and a half tall—and set among some trees behind a gate. Unlike an official memorial on the town square, these shrines feel more like a little wave from a gentle friend, calling you over. They’re terribly intimate, for something sitting by the side of the road.Here’s to little reminders, wherever they may be.
Happy Friday! Hope you are keeping warm this winter day, snow or not!
