Inside of any Target chain
store, shelved between fluorescent light ceilings and sprawling linoleum
floors, a selection of Catholic votive candles can be observed. Slotted among a
vibrant array of scented, home decor candles, and neon markdown tags, the votive
candles are simple cylinder-shaped, glass containers, nearly filled to the brim
with a myriad of colored wax. The main varying features are the brightly
colored labels pasted on them, which display detailed depictions of assorted
Saints, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. The paper labels are
meant to emulate stained glass windows typical of a colonial style Catholic
cathedral.
These religious symbols which
envelope the votive candles, recall specific physical attributes of a Catholic temple
- an altar, a stained glass window, and a religious figure on a mantel - and
allow you to bring it into your home. In a culture driven by mass
consumerism, where the easily consumable is valued above most everything else,
the catholic votive candle - available at your local Target - is spirituality
fashioned into something neat, convenient, and easily accessible. It has been
seamlessly integrated into the rituals of consumer culture - the monthly
shopping trip, where it can be plucked off of a shelf along with toiletries,
cosmetics and other store bought necessities.
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