Turn – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry
North Entrance, Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace  France. Image credit: Guilhem Vellut | flickr

lace folio-doors

recount stories of three Magi

stone colors turn

Still holding fast to its record as the world’s tallest surviving structure built entirely in the Middle Ages —Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace France (1015- 1439. A.D).

The featured doors are a “newer” addition to Strasbourg Cathedral, the North Portal (portal of St. Lawrence) which dates from 1495 A.D. to 1505 A.D. 

Atop the doors, interlocking intricate stonework in the Flamboyant style weaves three arches into lace-trimmed pinnacles that look somewhat like a stone “awning.”

The North Portal wood doors are flanked by statues of the Virgin Mary and The Three Magi on the right; and a group of saints on the left.

**Featured doors closeup details, and Strasbourg Cathedral, images are below:

Right side door closeup. North Entrance, Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace  France. Image credit: Guilhem Vellut | flickr
Left side door closeup. North Entrance, Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace  France. Image credit: Guilhem Vellut | flickr
Above the windows detail North Entrance, Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace  France. Image credit: Guilhem Vellut | flickr
North Tower, Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace France. Image credit: © Markus Gann | Dreamstime
West Entrance (Main)  Strasbourg Cathedral, Alsace  France. Image credit: © Patrick Escudero| Alamy

Trivia #1: The story of the stone sculpture of the small dog at the foot of the pulpit, Strasbourg Cathedral.

The story tells of a small dog that belonged to Jean Geiler, a 15th-century priest.

When Geiler preached at Strasbourg Cathedral, his small dog would wait for him on the pulpit stairs.

Legend has it that the stone sculpture commemorates that small dog and that stroking its head brings good luck. An image of the sculpture is below:

Small dog statue at the left of the pulpit, Strasbourg Cathedral. Image credit: Tobias Nordhausen | Wikipedia

Trivia#2: Strasbourg City was one of the filming locations for the documentary on Greta Thurnberg, “I am Greta” (2020).

**Fun fact: As you might have noticed in the photos, the limestone on Strasbourg Cathedral changes from pink in the morning to other sandy hues as the day/sunlight transitions.

Image credit: kadira999 | Pixabay

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Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

74 thoughts on “Turn – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors”

  4. Pingback: Turn – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  5. Wonderful haiku, Suzette and a great cathedral to focus on.

    The trivia about the dog made me smile. In our little town, the older of two Catholic churches sets up a life-size nativity scene each year in December. This year, in addition to the traditional animals in the manger, there was a large black dog. Many people commented on local forums that it was inappropriate. Then someone explained that the priest’s dog had recently passed away. I thought it was a very nice gesture to include the dog.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It must be quite the operation to setup and care for a live nativity scene…what a blessing to see, Dan. You are very blessed. Dogs and catt take a special place in the heart, I think. Glad you enjoyed the story.
      Happy 4th. I celebrate although in Canada. I like to support our neighbours to the south of the border. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. That cathedral has it all. How wonderful.
    I love the dog story. A great ode memorialized for man’s best friend.
    Oh yes, and your words. Stellar. Thanks for all this. Happy Fourth of July. Be safe xoxo

    Liked by 2 people

  9. 🖊When Geiler preached at Strasbourg Cathedral, his small dog would wait for him on the pulpit stairs.🖊

    Full appreciation for the heart of the sculptors. Priest and his dog an awesome sculpted story.

    Fascinating to read that the limestone takes on a sandy hue as the day grows old. With its enchanting turn so beautifully woven into your haiku I am moved by the sheer beauty of the pink cathedral in the morning

    Passing through the lace folio doors must be a breathtaking experience, just by looking at the exquisite stone work art on either side and above

    Today’s Thursday offering is once again a unique masterpiece of craftmanship and aristic vision.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I can imagine the awe at the entrance to this cathedral. Wow.
      Well said the heart of the sculptor to think to honor’s mans best friend in such minature stone detail, left for future visitors to enjoy. Amazing.
      Blessings and wonders evermore to your day. May it (your day) be shiny bright!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, the story of man’s best friend stole my heart. I can’t imagine that the architects of modern day churches would think like that. Im sure the children adore the minature stone detail.
        Thank you Poet, blessing to you on this day 4 July 2024.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Lovely haiku and thanks for providing the history along with the door… I always appreciate historical context! Also, with respect to the little dog… it always fascinates me how the builders of these grand, ethereal cathedrals incorporated simple, everyday stories into their designs.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Those stone lacey designs are amazing. It’s unbelievable what details went into buildings in the Middle Ages. And the dog statue. It’s adorable as well as the story. And I love it when buildings have alpen glow. It really brings them to life. You keep finding these amazing churches Suzette. Maggie

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I like your phrase “alpen glow” I had not heard it before. It is the perfect descriptor, thank you Maggie. The amount of churches built back in the day is staggeringly mindboggling. It is not hard to find them and delve into their stories. My pleasure indeed. Cheers, eh!

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Lovely architecture of Strasbourg Cathedral and its door, Suzette! Love dog’s story. Your haiku captures well its beauty.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I like the word “estately”… so perfect for the grandeur of this cathedral that almost overwhelmingly indescribable, Cindy. Thank you.
      Hope you have a relaxing weekend-cation
      Copious blessing to you.! Happy Friday!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I love that “newer” can refer to 1500! There is a quality of unreality to these cathedrals, and I suppose that was the point. Such sky-high beauty was meant to make us look up. So many stories are told in the windows and in the sculptures; it seems quite right that the story of the little dog is told too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for spotting my reference there, one of the mysteries of these buildings is that they add to the sense of one’s years as a newness that outlasts physical time’s march.
      (I think)
      Yes, that a grand “sky-high” construction would genuflect its creative muse to sculpt a small dog in memorium is wonderful in many ways.

      Liked by 1 person

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