May see Nashville Parthenon

Hi all! I'm extremely excited about something my father told me today

I'm not open about religion with my family (in a Pentecostal home? <.< no, thank you), but my whole family knows full well how much I adore anything pertaining to ancient Greece and the Hellenic gods. Today, while speaking with my father about my coming ship date (I leave for Navy boot camp in August), he told me he may take me to the Nashville Parthenon, as a sort of going away gift.

*breaks into a jig*

This is, beyond doubt, the best gift anyone could ever give me ^^ especially considering that, with my joining the military and therefore being under the patronage of Athena for at least the next four years, a pilgrimage to her temple, even a reconstruction in a new country, is the most appropriate thing I can think of to do before boot camp. This little revelation has me elated xD

That is all.

That's very exciting. 

However, tempting as it may be to see it otherwise, it is really not a temple; it's an art museum built to the external (and partially internal) specifications of the Attic Parthenon. It isn't consecrated ground, nor is there any cultus paid there. 

It's still an enviable opportunity — but remember that it is a secular place.

Yes, of course  I had no intentions of attempting to hold any sort of ritual there; not the right place, plus risk of arrest for a public disturbance xD I'll save that for before the trip and after

However, despite the reconstruction not being a proper temple, I cannot help but have a sense of reverence for it; it is not a place of worship, but it calls to memory the site it emulates, and that remains in the back of my mind.

Ack! Hit send too early and it won't allow me to edit the previous post >.< I meant to end that with "... and that remains in the back of my mind, hence my admittedly poorly made choice of words."

Sorry for the double post :/

Icarus wrote:I cannot help but have a sense of reverence for it; it is not a place of worship, but it calls to memory the site it emulates, and that remains in the back of my mind.

Of course. The building is itself a work of art, and doubtlessly took a host of artists, architects and builders countless hours to make a reality.

That sounds like a great time!! May you enjoy it to the fullest! 

Tell us all about it, have always wanted to see it!

I want to go as well, though when I do I'm going to make it an all around trip. Grand Ole Opry, Wildhorse Saloon, a baseball game, and the Parthenon. I'd do a little prayer when I get there, and then go in.

I had to laugh after I read this! Not to be rude, or disrespectful, I assure you, but because it struck me as ironic....
Before you leave for the Navy....you find it appropriate to visit a temple dedicated to Athena....
Surely a small chuckle is warranted?  

Haha xD I assume you are speaking of Athena contending with Poseidon over patronship of Athens. Yeah, I thought it was pretty funny, too who says the Gods don't have a sense of humour?

Icarus wrote:Yes, of course  I had no intentions of attempting to hold any sort of ritual there; not the right place,.

Hey, no one stops you from holding a silent ritual within your heart.
I've been at the real thing (Parthenon, Athens) and done just that, it was marvellous, just closing my eyes for a few seconds and sending out a prayer. Made me feel like a pilgrim on real holy ground. I could almost forget that they had torn the place apart in the saddest way.

I know that Greek recons and indigenous have been holding ceremonies at the Acropolis and that these days the guards tend to turn the other eye if they don't break any cordoned off areas or make too much fuzz. But I've come across make-shift altars with candles, petitions and sacrifized small-food like peanuts, raisins and such, usually in private corners. Now, I don't suggest anything like that in Nashwille, but it's always nice to know that you're not alone in your faith.

It's been a while since I visited Athens the last time, but I know with the recent crisis going on, most authorities have more important things to worry about (like keeping their jobs) than to paying attention to a few rather polite worshippers of Athena.

Yeah, I've always wanted to visit there also. Never have for all the times I've been through Tennessee.