Page 27 - SMCK Magazine - Issue #01

In modern Greece, “miracu- lous icons” are decorated with tama: identity jewellery (wed- ding rings, baptism crosses, engagement earrings, etc.), as well as with silver or gold plaques. Tama, which means “promise,” is placed on the icon, before the wish is gran- ted.
Icons show how the world will look at the end of time, when the “sun of justice” never sets. Orthodox Chris- tians use the icon as a visual stimu- lus to reach God; they worship the spirit the icon implies, not the wood it’s painted on. Icons emphasize Je- sus’s human nature and build a bridge between God and man that’s easy to cross.
In modern terms, icons could be considered conceptual art. Worship- pers kiss the icons, touch them, and place them on the chest of their dead at funerals.
Tama—which also existed in ancient Greece—follow this principle: sacrifice some- thing precious to you and ask God for a favor. A standard depiction of your request will spare God time and confusion! Thus votives feature men, women, hearts, houses, babies, legs, arms, etc. If you ask for a big favor, you give God your best jewellery. It is a relief to know that God wears your jewellery and can make an exception for you when there’s no way out—like the deus ex machina in Greek tragedy.
Greek spirituality is pragmatic and reflects a culture of public argument and questioning, an intellectual tradition that gives citizens a voice and God, overseeing them, a human face.
By Loukia Richards
Tama
or May the Force Love Your Jewellery!
27
Photo: Christoph Ziegler