In the beginning of the 21st century “fusion” style, a splendid result of East-West synthesis, leads the fashion of home decor. Mediterranean motives, middle-eastern accessories, Indian textiles, symbols and religious elements of Chinese and Japanese cultures…Today, exotic aroma and philosophical symbolism of distant lands are combined with European luxury and comfort. The most important thing: such decor must reflect the taste and individuality of the inhabitant and harmoniously blend with the interior. Sometimes original additions in the form of a Biblical oil lamp, Moroccan hookah or a piece of Egyptian papyrus can create a brighter and warmer atmosphere than expensive furniture. Accessories play indispensable role in this design trend, making the interior exquisite, yet at ease. An Arabic pouf, a Moroccan lantern and a drapery from translucent Indian organza can become the essentials of your own chill out corner. Candles can also impart coziness and romanticism to the home atmosphere and, if placed in a candlestick or a casket embellished with beads or semiprecious stones, can become an original element of interior.
Small shop “Rugs and Art”, located on one of the quiet streets of West Hollywood, for 15 years has been specializing in oriental furniture, lamps, candles, various knick-knacks and other works of eastern art that are so favored by many celebrities. Among its frequent customers are such well-known people as Sharon Stone and her sister Kelly, Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty and his wife Annette Bening, spouses Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. Recently Steven Seagal, a big fan of Buddhist philosophy, paid 7.5 thousand dollars for a gigantic golden statue of Buddha. The shop is located just a few blocks away from the famous Jewish Kabbalah Center, which is often visited by Madonna, Demi Moore, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.
For some people such exotic decorations serve just as elements of non-ordinary house embellishment, for others they carry a deeper meaning.
These days, lots of shops and supermarkets in across the globe offer an especially great variety of candle sets and oil lamps as millions of people around the world are celebrating the Jewish festival of lights, Hannukah. Both to Jews and non-Jews, the menorah, or Hanukkiya, consisting of eight candles, is the most recognizable symbol of the holiday. It is usually a nine-branch candelabrum with eight candles and a Shamash, or a service candle which lights the candles one by one during eight nights, in the center. This ritual reminds Jewish people of the miracle which happened after the Maccabees reclaimed the temple that was desecrated by the Syrian-Greek army and one day’s supply of ritually pure oil burned in the great Menorah for eight days, providing enough time to prepare new supply.
The menorah lights are “a light to the nations,” Rabbi Elazar Green told Intelligencer Journal. “They are a symbol of hope and religious freedom and perseverance. They represent what started America - freedom of religion, to practice religion however you like. This is why celebrating Hanukkah is especially important for American Jews.”
Across the globe, menorahs have been made in all sizes, with the largest 32 feet tall, and all forms, including exemplars made of pure chocolate, six feet of ice, balloons and nine feet of Legos. Some shops offer authentic oil lamps “handcrafted from the earth of the Holy Land” by artisans living “near the site of The Last Supper and Kind David’s Tomb”. They refer to countless generations of people of the Holy Land who have used “the golden glow of oil lamps to bring a spiritual light to their prayers, worship and religious ceremonies”. Internet-based The Bible Land Shop, for instance, proffers unglazed Biblical lamps that can be used with different types of oil. Its selection includes a Holy Land Oil Lamp and Jug set, an authentic replica of the most common household utensils used during the time of Jesus called the Second Temple period, and a Canaan Lamp, replica of the earliest and most traditional kind of oil lamps that was used in people’s homes and synagogues from the time of the Patriarchs until after the Disciples. Olive oil, the choice of the ancient people of the Holy Land, is recommended for these types of lamps for an especially beautiful golden glow. A unique candle, the Dove of Peace, can be a great Christian gift for everyone who prays for peace in their lives and peace in the world.
“East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet”, said Rudyard Kipling in one of his ballads a hundred years ago. The slogan of today is different: do not be afraid of experimenting and mixing styles and cultures. It will only bring meaningfulness and special radiance into your home.