A Peaceful Medieval Monday to You

Entry into Jerusalem, c. 1304 - 1306
Giotto di Bondone 

Happy Medieval Monday!

Let's talk religion!

I just laughed out loud. Ahem, you say? 

Don't worry. This is me, after all. 

Did you know I am Catholic, albeit with a strong, Antiochian Orthodox background? This week is Holy Week for me and my family, along with millions of other Catholics and Protestants. Passover also begins this week. Next week is Holy Week for Orthodox Christians. This year, the month of Ramadan is also during this time.

So, in these next few weeks, we have Easter, Passover, Ramadan -- and we know there are many, other, countless religions and belief systems. Let us wish each other well.

The Medieval era -- the whole thousand years of it -- was marked by religious violence and war.
Early Islamic invasions, the Reconquista, crusades to the Holy Land, Viking invasions (in that they were non-Christians attacking monasteries), and persecution of Jews throughout. The conquest of Constantinople in 1453 commonly marks the end of the Middle Ages. And while these events occurred throughout a millennium, they only cover a portion of the strife and a portion of the world. 

​As we know only too well, the history of the world is not a peaceful one. It's one of the reasons I love romance novels. But it's not the only reason. :)

I will be mostly on hiatus this week. I believe I scheduled one other post. I hope to observe our high, holy days quietly, prayerfully, while working around home and garden in preparation for our family's Easter celebration. I feel very fortunate to be able to do so.

For more Medieval Monday, be sure to visit wonderful medieval ladies Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis.

Peace and joy are relative to the individual as well as to a society as a whole. With all my heart, that's what I wish for you -- joy and peace -- this week, next week, and always.