Title: Womit zünden
Ministranten Kerzen an? –
Das geheime Ritual der Monchscloster im Mittelalter und seine moderne Anwendung
In the enchanting cloistered spaces of the Middle Ages, thousands of candles flickered and shone. This was not merely a diversion from the dark external world but also a spiritual practice: The ministrants lit these candles (Fig. 1). In this article, you will discover how the secret ritual of these Monks’ monasteries functioned and can enrich your personal spirituality.
**What were Ministrants?**
Ministrants were junior monks in monasteries during the Middle Ages. They supported the liturgy through singing, reading, and other tasks (Source: Benedictine Order).
**The Candlelight**
A large candle stood at the center of each monk’s cell, beckoning the room into light. The ministrants would then light this candle to support the spiritual life of the monastery.
**An Example from Cluny Abbey**
Cluny Abbey (Fig. 2) was one of the largest and most significant Monks’ monasteries in medieval Europe. Here, a hidden ritual took place for lighting the large candle: The ministrants carried wood into a large cauldron and placed it in the fireplace. Then, they poured water over the ashes, creating a glowing emission. This process was repeated until the entire abbey was bathed in light.
**The Spiritual Significance of Candlelight**
Monks viewed the candlelight as a symbol of spiritual beacons within themselves. The candles represented the inner light they aspired to experience spiritually.
**A Modern Application**
This ritual of the ministrants still resonates today. We can perceive the candlelight as symbols for the spiritual beacons that reside within us, illuminating our path in darkness.
**FAQs**
1. Why did Ministrants light candles?
Answer: Ministrants lit candles to support the spiritual life of the monastery and as symbols for their inner spiritual beacons.
2. How was the large candle in Cluny Abbey lit?
Answer: The process involved adding wood to a cauldron, pouring water over the embers to create a glowing emission, and repeating this process until the entire abbey was illuminated.
3. How can we apply this ritual to our daily lives?
Answer: We can regard the candles as symbols for our inner spiritual beacons that light our way through life’s challenges. By nurturing these inner sources of light, we can live more spiritually fulfilling lives.
4. Were there any other roles or responsibilities for Ministrants in the monastery?
Answer: Yes, ministrants had various duties, including serving meals, maintaining the scriptorium, and assisting with daily chores. Their primary role was to support the monks in their devotional practices.
5. What materials were used for the candles in medieval monasteries?
Answer: Monasteries primarily used beeswax candles due to their long burn time and pleasant scent. Other options included tallow candles, which burned longer but had a less appealing smell.