Egyptian temples, because of their connection with the sun rituals, were laid
out eat to west, much like Stonhenge. They had an "avenue of the sun" flanked
by lions or other beasts, and at the equinox, the sun rose and passed directly
down the avenue, and through the horned pylon which also served as the main
entrance to the temple complex. Could it be that this ancient tradition was
continued in some Christian churches, simply because it was a revered
tradition? Some temples in India are laid out the same, as well as the sum
temples in pre Columbian Mexico. For practical purposes, it is also
noteworthy that this also gives the best, uniform lighting for large structures
which relied mainly on natural light. From an aesthetic point of view, you
have the sun rising in the east for moring services in the apse, and for the
evening, light streams through the fine windows in the facade. I would like to
know if there is any sacred or ritual reasons for such an orientation in
Christian churches. yrs, tom ault
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|