World's First Gothic Cathedral -- Saint-Denis (near Paris) France 2010

Ever wonder why the rôles of royalty are all mixed in with the Church? It was a very, very clever PR move by the Church, around 700 A.D., I believe, because the Church was in serious decline. Monarchs were advised to align their images with that of the Church, in order to more firmly ensconce themselves as chosen by the Almighty, to ordinary folks.

Further, royalty were invited to be buried here. And to worship here. This huge abbey church was constructed in the 12th century at the request of Abbé Suger. Sainte Genevieve, an apple picker from Brittany, walked all the way to Saint-Denis, where the martyrdom of the first Bishop of Paris (Lutêce) had taken place, because the Romans were not thrilled with his rising position. Around the year 700, she established a chapel here. Soon, the Carolingian line of Kings and Queens (look up Salic law -- it's fascinating -- women lost their power!) build a series of churches on this spot. You can still see them, parts of them, in the crypt of this basilica, which is just North of the Paris city limits, and which is accessible on the 13 métro line in the Paris public transport system. (The stop is "Saint-Denis Basilique.")

Abbé Suger thought up Gothic architecture. The Romanesque style didn't allow in enough LIGHT to suit him, so he asked architects to come up with those marvelous arches and lovely windows, to let in the most LIGHT. Suger was like many other Christian clergy at the time -- he believed in Lucifer, the light bearer, as the creator of our world. This way of thinking had pretty much been there from early days, and went on a bit longer, before it made the Church squeamish, and that line of thinking was suppressed.

In fact, "Gothic art" is in French "art Gothique," which actually means "argotique," which actually means "slang," which actually means it is all "short" for something. The "something" is the stuff of THE DA VINCI CODE and all. All woven into the Gothic styles are various symbols and messages of something very, very esoteric, and very, very important.

Those of us who follow Christian thought to these esoteric references are rewarded with treasures of incredible spiritual growth and awareness.

Saint-Denis is now often called Paris-Saint-Denis. It is much more important, historically, than Paris. This place was the number one place of Christian pilgrimage in France for 1,000 years. Joan of Arc had her weapons blessed here, too, in the early 15th century.

Saint-Denis is considered the best example of a Dark Ages/medieval town in the world. It had a wall put up around the year 600, I believe . . . various waves of Barbarians, Goths, Vandals, et cetera came in. A second wall went up later. You can still see part of it near where I live!

Napoléon's Legion of Honor is here in Saint-Denis. So much! Why bother that much with Paris? Shop more cheaply here, and learn more, with less crowds!

May we count you IN?

copyright 2010 Lisa B. Falour

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[GeorgiaXXIcentury]

Is Saint-Denis church first gothic church in France?

[CuteCatFaith]

@GeorgiaXXIcentury In the whole world. The Abbé Suger wanted a new architectural style which let in the most light possible, to honor Lucifer, the light bearer, the beloved of God. This was actually common in the church, to honor Lucifer, but it fell out of favor later on. I guess it was considered too dodgy. But this was the practice in the Church in the past, Lucifer was considered great. Sounds strange today, huh?

[666Vredesbyrd]

Merci pour cette vidéo, j'en cherchait justement sur la basilique.

C'est vrai que Saint Denis et tout le 93 devient Beyrouth dur Seine.

[CuteCatFaith]

@666Vredesbyrd dur Seine? Oui, c'est un peu dur, je crois. Merci de votre commentaire. Je vous souhaite une . . . bonne réception.

[nonfoods1]

Oui oui! Crepes avec magnet monstre pour tous, on veut voir du saumon volant!

( gothic? Pee E.U.?

[CuteCatFaith]

@nonfoods1 Hee hee hee!

[CuteCatFaith]

@GeorgianAzeri Bisoux!

[CuteCatFaith]

@popshvt ?????

[popshvt]

tabatha cash!

[CuteCatFaith]

@HunCarpathiansHun Yes, Saint-Denis, where I have lived since 1994, is very racially mixed. Over 80 languages are spoken here daily. It is more vibrant than the NYC I lived in from 1977-94 -- please check out my other videos here and on SLOBOMOTION to see the REAL Paris! And look up "Syndrome de Paris!" So many are disappointed by the REAL Paris! You might enjoy my "Saturday in the Ghetto" clip on SLOBOMOTION. Cheers!