Besamim
are decorative containers to
hold spices or aromatic plants used during
the ceremony that marks the end of the
Shabbat
, the
havdalah
.
During the
havdalah
, a blessing is recited
over the wine, spices and light. According to
Jewish tradition, on the eve of the
Shabbat
,
each Jew is given an extra soul which is
taken back (returned) at the end of the
holy day: this causes people to become
sad and depressed as the week starts and
they return to their duties. The fragrance of
the spices symbolically offers comfort and
encouragement as the feast day draws to
a close.
The
besamim
come in a wide range of
shapes: in northern Europe, in particular
in Germany and northern Italy, the most
widespread motif is that of a tower like
those on display here.
Besamim
Besamim
, around XVIII century, Eastern Europe, silver,
height 15 cm, gift of the Uhrmacher family
Besamim
, around XVIII century, Eastern Europe, silver,
height 27 cm, gift of the Uhrmacher family
Besamim
, around XVIII century, Eastern Europe, silver,
height 19 cm, gift of the Uhrmacher family
Besamim
, around XVIII century, Eastern Europe, silver
filigree, height 30 cm, gift of the Uhrmacher family
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