We get to learn some pretty interesting things in my New Testament class. For example, we learned about the last supper and what the setting was probably like. Our teacher explained the very probably set up of the place where Jesus and the apostles dined that night. He talked about the triclinium which is a customary way of placing three couches where those eating would recline during dinner. They were placed in a "U" shape and in the middle of that "U" would be a low square table. It is a little odd for me to think of eating while reclining, although I do enjoy it on the occasion, but it is definitely different than what we are used to in a dinner setting with guests. I think that as we understand the culture and traditions of the time we are able to understand certain teachings better. I have not yet learn any particular significance to know about the triclinum except for the fact that it explains how the beloved disciple was able to lean of Jesus' chest, but I'm sure there may be more to learn from this cultural fact.
2 comments:
That's an interesting post. I agree that it sounds difficult to eat while reclining, and awkward to do it with guests! I'd probably choke on my water if I tried to drink it while lying down. Where did you get that picture? Did you just google "triclinium"? I totally agree with the idea that we understand them better and the teaching of Jesus better if we understand the cultural setting more. The conversation they had makes so much more sense when you think of them sitting/lying around together.
Yeah I did google it. If you google it you will find diagrams showing how it was exactly that they would recline, it's pretty interesting. I agree with the fact that it would be hard to eat laying down like in bed but if you think about laying down on the floor watching tv it seems a little easier to eat. Thanks for commenting on this post. I'm glad you found it interesting.
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