Bells for Christmas

The symbolic power of the numeral three, reflected in various cultural, religious, and secular contexts, underscores its universal significance. From the mystical trinities of gods to the practical applications in rhetoric and storytelling, and the fundamental structure of our physical world, the number three resonates with a sense of completeness, balance, and harmony. Its pervasive presence in different aspects of human thought and culture attests to its enduring and profound symbolism.

MichaelStephenWills

These icicles were formed along Fall Creek during the coldest months of February in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

The transient nature of these forms is suggested by the thinness of the pedicle joining each bell to the ice lobe of the ledge. Note the golden crystals in the ice lobe.

I. Historical and Cultural Significance of Threes

The numeral three has long been imbued with symbolic power across various cultures and historical periods. This symbolism transcends mere counting or mathematical relevance, delving into the realms of the spiritual, the mystical, and the philosophical.

In ancient civilizations, the number three was often seen as a symbol of completeness and stability. The Egyptians, for instance, considered it the number of the cosmos, encompassing the concepts of sky, earth, and underworld. Similarly, in Greek mythology, the world was ruled by three brothers: Zeus (sky), Poseidon (sea), and Hades (underworld). This tripartite division reflects a universal tendency to view the world through a lens of threefold division, suggesting a sense of wholeness and balance.

II. Religious Contexts

In religious contexts, the number three is equally significant. In Christianity, it symbolizes the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – a cornerstone of Christian doctrine signifying unity in diversity. The concept of the Trinity encapsulates the idea of three distinct entities forming a single divine unity, reflecting a profound theological and philosophical understanding of the divine.

Similarly, in Hinduism, the Trimurti consists of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). This trinity represents the cyclical nature of the universe, encompassing creation, preservation, and destruction. The number three, therefore, is seen as a symbol of the fundamental processes that govern the universe.

In Buddhism, the Triple Gem, also known as the Three Jewels, is central to Buddhist beliefs. These are the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns). This triad forms the foundation of Buddhist practice and philosophy, signifying a path to enlightenment and liberation.

III. Secular Interpretations and the Three Dimensions

In a secular context, the number three still holds considerable symbolic power, often representing concepts such as time (past, present, future), space (length, breadth, height), and human capabilities (thought, word, deed). These triadic concepts suggest a completeness and a holistic view of the world and human experience.

Significantly, our perception of the physical world is fundamentally tied to three dimensions: length, width, and height. This triadic spatial framework is foundational to our understanding of the universe. Our seemingly locked-in experience within these three dimensions shapes not only our physical interactions but also our conceptualizations of reality. The three-dimensional space is a constant in science, architecture, and daily life, symbolizing stability, balance, and the tangible reality of our existence.

Literature and rhetoric also recognize the power of three, as evident in the use of the rule of three, a principle suggesting that ideas or stories presented in threes are inherently more satisfying and effective. This principle is widely employed in storytelling, speech-making, and writing to create impact and memorability.

These Christmas Bells were captured with the Sony DSLR-A700, DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 lens, hoya circular polarizing filter, mounted on the Manfrotto tripod with ball head.

Click Me to view my photographs on Getty.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved http://www.MichaelStephenWills.com

29 thoughts on “Bells for Christmas”

      4. I went to a sports/outdoor store and found a half-inch-thick exercise mat made of some lightweight rubber-like material. I cut the mat down into pieces about 1.5 x 2 feet. A piece that size isn’t too bulky for me to conveniently carry around. Of course my legs extend beyond the mat, but the main part of my body is protected.

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  3. This image is visual poetry at its best! I’m not fully versed on numerology by any means, but I am participating in a group looking toward 2019 as a “3” year (2+0+1+9=12 & reduces to 3) – I receive your poetic image & question as synchronicity nudging: pay attention to 3. Thank you! I shall visualize 2019 “ringing in” with these ice bells.

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  8. Absolutely stunning photograph. You have such a good eye for capturing nature. I cannot stop looking at these ‘bells’. I have never thought much about the number three but now that you mention it, I have three children, I got married when I was 33 and I am approaching my 30th wedding anniversary. Maybe there is more to three’s than I thought!

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