Beliefs
New Symbols and a Changing Landscape
Missionaries brought the cross,
the Bible, the baptismal font and the ciborium, powerful symbols
of Christianity. The small frame
church
with bell tower and cross became part of every community, contrasting
sharply with traditional architecture. As small frame dwellings replaced
traditional houses, the church often became the most prominent
building in a village. Crucifixes adorned household walls and
became common as personal adornment. Each Aboriginal society
modified the long-established yearly calendar that reflected its
economy and ritual seasons to include a seven-day week, with
Sunday as a day for collective worship. Baptism at first
supplemented, then often replaced, traditional naming
ceremonies.
Ciborium
French Canadian
1675
Wood
Canadian Museum of Civilization, 77-1062, D2002-013468, CD2002-347
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