Black Madonnas

I have long been fascinated with the wooden and stone statues and Byzantine-like paintings of the black and crowned Mary with the Christ child on her lap. They have a reputation for having mystical healing and miraculous powers. There are approx 500 of these images in Europe, mostly in France. They date back in to the mists of time, as far as we can discover to 12th century Pauline Fathers, beyond the time of Saint Augustine, and St Bernard, both of whom had a special devotion to her. Bernard had an awakening while meditating on the Black Madonna of Chattilon. She was the patroness of the Knights Templars and the Teutonic Order. She was symbolised as a dove and was associated with the Holy Spirit. Isis was known as the Gatekeeper of life's mysteries and many think of the black madonna as a continuation of the Goddess Isis, with the child Horus on her lap after Osiris had been murdered by his brother Set. 



Many of the pagan goddesses of the areas of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Phoenicia, etc., were depicted with black skin. These were often mother goddesses such as Isis, Astarte, Ishtar and these were goddesses of the earth and fertility. Black earth was treasured to be most valuable for growth of crops which enabled survival of the community. Some are associated with fertility, and the moon and stars are also associated with the virgin mother of Jesus. They have been found in Africa, China, India and in Mexico, Our Lady of Guadaloupe is described as the 'Brown Virgin'.

Louis IX of France had a favourite black Madonna at Le Puy. It is said to have appeared in a vision and commanded a church be built to house her. It might have been carried there by the Phoenicians. Le Puy, like Chartres was an ancient Druid centre. In 1254 the king replaced the original statue with an Isis Madonna from Egypt. Many statues were described as Queen of Heaven or Star of the Sea. The opening lines of the Song of Songs begins with the words "I am black, but comely". 

The two Black Madonnas of the 800 year old Chartres Cathedral are of a crowned and seated woman holding a young child on her lap. One is known as the Notre Dame de Sous-Terre, Our Lady of the Underworld. In ancient times, it was presented on an ancient stone plinth, with a Roman inscription 'Virgini Paritures' - the virgin who will give birth. It was kept in a subterranean crypt where water flowed from a sacred well. A carved walnut wood statue is in the Shrine of Chapelle Notre-Dame in Rocamadour where it has the reputation to resuscitate babies, protect sailors and free captives. This Black Madonna they say takes revenge on wrong-doers, especially those who steal from her devotees. She cuts off their hands and blinds them! When she performs a new miracle, the bell at the top of the mountain rings.  

In North Eastern Spain, at Monserrat, the wooden Black Madonna provides children for her devotees. It is said to have been discovered by shepherds in a cave after they followed strange lights and angelic voices. Her festivals involves an ancient circular dance.  

In Czestochowa, Poland, a 14th century painting of the Madonna is believed to have been painted by St Luke the Evangelist. In 1655, it is said to have assisted the people to repel invaders from Sweden. In September 1920, an apparition appeared beside the Vistula River, and drove off invading Russians. 

In Italy’s Gulf of Taranto, at Crotone's church, the Black Madonna statue also provides fertility and is situated upon a site that was once dedicated to Hera Lacinia, Goddess of Moonlight. On the second Sunday in May, she is carried through the streets in a torchlit procession by fishing boats that seek her protection. 

Every May, gypsies gather at Les-Saints-Maries-de-la-Mer, a French Camargue, Mediterranean fishing village, to celebrate the arrival of the 'Three Marys' (Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobi and Mary Cleopas) with the patron of the gypsies, 'Sara le Kali' (the Black) around AD42. Some say that Sara is the name of a princess, and was the child of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. These four women are said to have arrived by boat across the sea, just after the crucifixion of Jesus. Every year on 24th and 25th of May, statues of these saints are carried through the streets in procession to singing of hymns. The procession is of bright colours and the statues are taken to the beach and the sea is entered with the barque.

Article by Wendy Stokes   Visit: https://wendystokes.co.uk