The zodiac: Renaissance of the astrological symbol in Eastern European wooden synagogues from the 17th and 18th centuries

Abstract

The article presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the complex relationship between intangible elements of culture that led to the presentation of the zodiac in Jewish folk art and architecture. The zodiac appears to be one of the most common astrological symbols that are found in both ancient and contemporary synagogal art. Although it primarily originates from Chaldean and Babylonian astrology, and despite strong culture-based differences, the zodiac was used in a form of floor mosaics in ancient Jewish art as well as in ceiling paintings from wooden synagogues of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The article summarises an analysis of the ancient origin, meaning, and renaissance of the artistic application of the idea of the zodiac in the art and architecture of Eastern European vernacular wooden synagogues from the 17th and 18th centuries. The comparative research is made on the basis of an identification of related canonical and non-canonical texts, their interpretation, studies on the partially preserved ancient buildings, and the available photographic documentation of wooden synagogues and their reconstruction. Secondarily, the article contributes to a recognition of the main cultural factors influencing the development of Jewish art and architecture in this part of Europe.