Sacred Objects hum105

1. Sacred Objects in
Contemporary Culture
Learning Team D
University of Phoenix
HUM/105 – World Mythology

2. Agenda
Discuss 4 different types of contemporary
sacred objects
 Explain the myth or story that makes each
object sacred.
What does each object symbolize?
In what form is the symbolism of each
object presented

3. Olympic Gold Medal
 Presented during the modern Olympic Games
 Leading international sporting event
 Includes 35 sports and 400 events

4. Olympic Gold Medal
Back in ancient Greek times
the winning athlete was
awarded with an olive
wreath
Symbolized that an individual
was the best at their sport in
the world

5. Olympic Gold Medal
 Composed of .925 silver
 Plated with 6 grams of gold
 No common design
 Minimum of 60 mm in diameter
 Minimum of 3 mm thick
 Name of sport engraved on the
medal

6. Rabbit’s Foot
Considered a lucky charm by many individuals throughout
numerous cultures.

7. Rabbit’s Foot
 The myth is based upon the
myth that a Rabbit was
commonly considered an animal
that Witches would shapeshift
into.
 Although Witches normally are
not seen as good, the Rabbit
Foot is possibly seen as a prize
for capturing or killing a Witch
that had shapeshifted into this
animal.

8. Rabbit’s Foot
 The Rabbits foot is normally dried out and preserved
 Attached to some type of ornamental object which the person
carries around with them.
 Luck is influenced by the exact time, situation or location that
the rabbit is captured or killed
 A new or full moon may be occurring at the time of capture or
it may have to be within the confines of a cemetery.
 The left hind foot is recognized as the "lucky" foot to carry
around.

9. Borg-Warner Trophy
 Awarded to the Indy 500 winner
 Most coveted trophy in the sport
 It has gone to the victors of over 100 Indy
500s
 Kept in Indianapolis, Indiana
 The winner takes home an 18 inch replica
named the “Baby Borg”

10. Borg-Warner Trophy
First created in 1935
Weighs over 150 lbs.,
stands at 5 feet 4
inches tall
Made of sterling silver
Cost $10,000 to build,
but is worth upwards of
$1 million

11. Borg-Warner Trophy
This object symbolizes all of the greatest drivers in the history of
open wheel Indy Car Racing. It has been said that it is a greater
victory to Borg-Warner trophy then to win an Olympic Gold Medal.

12. Cross
 Well-known as a symbol of
Christianity
 Generations have used the
shape of the cross to bring good
luck, to save from harm against
illness, or to beautify religious
articles.
 3 forms of crosses are tau, crux
ansata, and catholic.

13. Tau
Symbol for life and or resurrection

14. Crux Ansata
Represents the concept of “eternal life”

15. Catholic Crosses
GREEK CROSS – represents the
four directions of the “Earth”
ROMANS CROSS - Closely
associated with the crucifixion
of Jesus Christ

16. Conclusion
Discussed the stories behind 4 different
contemporary sacred objects.
The symbolism they represent
Their compositions and how they are displayed

17. Questions?