About the Mystery of the Black Madonna

Throughout Europe, in many Catholic areas, devotees of the faith are inspired by the images of a black virgin mother and child. These mysterious religious works of art are found mostly in churches and a few museums. These works of art consist of wooden statues, murals and paintings.

Some shrines of Black Madonna's are inscribed with these words, which are referred to the Queen of Sheba: "I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." (Old Testament: Song of Solomon)

Many of the Black Madonna statues date back between the 11th and 15th centuries. The statues are made from dark woods such as ebony. Associated with miracles, the faithful often make pilgrimages to cathedrals and shrines to get a divine revelation from the dark Virgin Mary and Child. Some believe these shrines have special healing powers and that they symbolize love and fertility. It is a miracle itself that these relics have survived centuries of war in Europe.

In Poland, the Black Madonna of Czestochowa is the subject of many legends. On the painting, the Black Madonna has two scars on her right cheek and legend has it that a robber drew his sword upon the painting and on the third strike the face of the Virgin Mary started to bleed. Roman Catholics regard Czestochowa as the holiest city in Poland. In devotion to the Black Madonna, Catholics in Poland recite this prayer every morning:

"Holy Mother of Czestochowa, you are full of grace, goodness and mercy. I consecrate to you all my thoughts, words and actions, my soul and body. I humbly beseech your blessings and especially your prayers for my salvation. Today I turn myself to you, good mother, totally, with body and soul amid joy and suffering to obtain for myself and others your blessings on this earth and eternal life in heaven. Amen."

Some believe the Virgin of Montserrat, in Catalonia Spain was carved in Jerusalem, during the early days of the church. Today a alter of gold surrounds the statute and millions flock to see the beautiful works of art.

Modern day historians and theologians' speculate that the appearance of the dark coloring of the statues is a simple result of wood darkening over time. In regards to the paintings, their theory is that soot and natural fading was the reasoning for the dark pigmentation. Those who disagree with this assessment argue the fact that if soot and age was the cause for the dark pigmentation on the paintings; how come the bright clothing painted on these images appear to be unaffected by soot and age?

The image of a divine mother and child are older than Christianity. Some say that the image of the Black Madonna does derive from the Egyptian goddess Isis. It is no big secret that the Mediterranean was influenced by Egypt and North Africa so that could easily explain the Catholic Church in its start, borrowing some of the pagan images.

Does the origin of these beautiful works of art even matter? Whoever the Black Madonna may be, she still has devotees worldwide drawn to her sacred sites and she will continue to fulfill the needs of many.

SOURCES:

Black Madonna of Czestochowa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Madonna_of_Czestochowa

Black Madonnas: http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/blackmdn.html