To Have and to Hold: An Intimate History of Collectors and Collecting by Philipp Blom

Why Boiling People is Wrong 

A Synopsis: 

This chapter illustrates the history and growth of collecting relics. Relics can be described as small physical remains of those with a significance from the past, commonly with religious intent. The text writes, “To the mind of the believer, relics are imbued with talismanic qualities. It is a curious fact that they who want to be closet to the life of those they venerate often find themselves involved in the most gruesome aspects of decay and death. Relics, however, are both dead and alive- parts of dead bodies or inanimate objects, but alive with the aura, the spirit of something greater, and more holy, than we are.” Those who dedicate time and wealth to collect and preserve relics believe that these objects hold an exceedingly large amount of energy. It becomes clear that though the relics are dead and inanimate, they are very much alive in the mind of the believer, the collector, and the devotee.  Instead of simply believing the nature of the message from one, some feel the need to hold on to the physical association as if it is the message itself. In the end, “A curse seems to overshadow this pursuit of life through the material world.” While obtaining relics and these things that may hold so much energy, it doesn’t seem to be enough. The mind is else where, eyes already searching for the next. 

Shrine of the Three Kings

    This shrine resides in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, inside relics and bones of the biblical Magi are found. The text describes the journey of the bones of Magi and how they hold their talismanic qualities to some. The book writes, “The Cologne Dome was erected in their honour, a shrine designed to be worthy for them.” This image showcases how grand and important relics are to many. 

Image Source: https://aleteia.org/2017/01/08/where-are-the-relics-of-the-three-wise-men/

The Ming Tombs 

Also known as the Thirteen Tombs

    The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by emperors of the Ming Dynasty of China for the burial of emperors. They follow precepts of traditional Chinese geomancy and fengshui theory. “Even the zealous mobs of youngsters driving the destruction did not dare lay a finder on the tombs of Ming emperors, which still stand today as they were hundred of years ago, protected by an avenue of mythical beasts in stone, untouched by the hammers of ideology, staring at the visitors, exactly as they did centuries ago.” 

Ming Tombs Architecture 

Image Source: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/File:Tumbas_ming1.JPG

Gate at the start of the scared walk leading to the tombs

Image Source: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/File:Noel_2005_P%C3%A9kin_tombeaux_Ming_voie_des_%C3%A2mes.jpg

Statue inside the Ming Dynasty Tombs 

Source Image: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/File:Noel_2005_P%C3%A9kin_tombeaux_Ming_voie_des_%C3%A2mes_18.jpg

The Holy Nails

Relics of the Crucifixion 

    Jesus posed a dilemma to relic lovers, due to the fact that most of any evidence “ascended into heaven.” That is why the significance of the holy cross is altogether greater than any other religious relic. People attach a strong value and religious associate this. 

Source Image: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-holy-nails-relics-of-the-crucifixion