I’ve written about the Black Sun of Prague and the connection between esotericism and this symbol. Prague also features a Golden Sun on the facade of one its buildings too. (The city is full of these symbols and signs, which makes it such a magical place)
If you walk away from the tourist centre heading east you will follow the main road called Na Poříčí.
You’ll be heading towards the lost train station of Tesnov.
At number 22, the building facade sports a huge Golden Sun motif on the triangular pediment above the second floor.
This building is a relatively recent one. It was rebuilt in the early 19th century when city planners tore down the old city walls as the city expanded. The road existed at the time and is the path taken by the funereal procession of St Wenceslas. This Bohemian King, who died around 935, is the patron saint of Bohemia. He is better known as the “Good King Wenceslas1” from the Christmas Carol.
He has been ascribed many attributes but he his best known for creating Bohemia, giving locals their identity. They call him the father of Bohemia. Bohemians associate him with the sun for the classic attributes of strength, power and authority.
When the building was being rebuilt, the motif was added to remind locals that just as the Sun gives life, St Wenceslas gave life to the locals as he passed along this route.
I think it is a fitting tribute to him as he passed along this route to his final resting place.
How are patron saints remembered in your town or city?
- The story behind the carol: Good King Wenceslas; Rupert Christiansen; The Telegraph; 2007-12-14[↩]