THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: CLASSIC TUBS AND GROTTOS

The most ubiquitous statues are Virgin Marys, although Jesus, St. Francis, St. Joseph and St. Anthony are also popular. Catholic iconographic conventions underscore the qualities and virtues associated with the chosen saint; for example, Virgin Mary statues are often painted blue, and lilies and other blue and purple flowers may be planted around the statue. Occasionally a statue of Mary stands on a serpent with an apple in its mouth, which, I learned from a google search, represents Mary’s virginal status as “the new Eve.” St. Joseph and St. Anthony of Padua statues often carry a Baby Jesus; St. James the elder carries a pilgrim's staff.

Statues can be made of a variety of materials, from cast concrete, resins, composites, and infrequently, much more costly marble. Even the most inexpensive statues (which can be purchased at lawn and garden shops as well as online at specialty sites) can cost over $100, while the larger, more elaborate ones cost hundreds of dollars and up. For working class homeowners, purchasing and installing a shrine represent a financial as well as a religious commitment.

Yet, if a statue of the Virgin or a saint is intended to be the centerpiece of a front yard shrine, it remains, nonetheless, a mass made object purchased "as is" by the homeowner. Where the homeowners' creative juices really come into play is in the positioning, construction and decoration of the housing they wish to provide for their statue. The variety of housing styles is impressive indeed. Here goes!