Talk:Baptistery of Neon

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I find the following statement concerning the symbolism in octagonal baptistries to be most likely false, i.e. a modern interpretation or someone's uneducated opinion--plus there is no citation: "The octagonal design of the building has symbolic meaning: it represents the seven days of the week plus the Day of the Resurrection and Eternal Life." The octagonal form used for Christian baptistries is derived from the Roman mausoleum.


 * I also do not like this sentence. I am in favour of the octagonal shape representing the eight days Christ spent in Jerusalem, from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection (counting, as usual, inclusively). The octagonal form may well be derived from previous architectural tradition (not sure about the link between roman mausoleums and christian baptistries). However, the symbolism placed on top of existing architectural form may take different inspiration. --5telios (talk) 10:50, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Indeed, symbolism can be placed on existing architectural form. What evidence exists to suggest early Christians considered this Holy Week symbolism at the time of construction? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.115.101.87 (talk) 16:38, 15 March 2009 (UTC)