Fork Cross Schöppingen

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The fork cross Schöppingen is a fork crucifix in Schöppingen , Borken district, North Rhine-Westphalia, and dates from the second half of the 15th century. It hangs on the east wall of the north aisle of St. Brictius Church . The flanking baroque figures from 1788 were created as additions to the cross.

description

The crucifix is ​​made entirely of oak. The cross has a height of 375 cm and a width of 209 cm. The body itself is 195 cm tall with an arm span of 168 cm. Bud-like branches are modeled on the cross trunk and beam, alluding to the symbolism of the tree of life that is characteristic of forked crosses . At the upper end of the trunk there is an eyelet, which by its design is suitable for moving the cross with it using a rope. The body shows clear wounds, but depicts Christ as already "released from his torments". The arms rest on the beam. The head was originally equipped with imitation hair and a real crown of thorns, the current real crown of thorns is from more recent times. In the occiput there is a particle of the holy cross. Today's version is the original and shows naturally running, bluish veins on pale skin ( incarnate ) while the trunk and bars were originally green. The impression of their current version, however, is a brownish shade. The loincloth has been gilded, but appears brownish.

history

The fork cross was created around 1455/1470 and replaced a predecessor that was destroyed in the fire of the church in 1453. This is said to have been a Romanesque crucifix similar to those of Heek and Metelen. A medieval cross costume should be traced back to the Christianization of Schöppingen in 785. It took place on the Sunday before Ascension Day, ran around the entire municipality, lasted 10 to 12 hours and was shortened in 1707. After the cross costume was banned in 1830, it was combined with the Corpus Christi procession that had been going through the city until then and now carried out as a sacrament procession with the forked cross on the way of the cross costume. The procession path was shortened again in 1845. The cross was also carried during the hail procession 10 days after Corpus Christi. Carrying the cross on a support frame during processions ended in 1960. Historical photographs still show a chain with votive offerings on the cross.

restoration

A restoration in 1967/68 showed partial anobia infestation . The scrolling versions were saved (documented?) And 7% of the original version was exposed. The original version was verifiably when the fork cross was created in the 15th century. only manufactured after the body has been mounted on the cross. Wax cement was retouched. The damaged wooden parts were strengthened, the arms repaired and reattached. The majority of the fingers have been added, older additions to the toes have not been changed.

literature

  • Birgit Gorres in: Schöppingen 838–1988 . Publisher: Community administration Schöppingen, printing: printing works Hüntemann Schöppingen 1988, typesetting: INDRAGNI in Ascheberg-Herbern
  • Schnell and Steiner: St. Brictius Church Schöppingen, 1998
  • Ursula Ninfa, between Anholt and Zwillbrock, publisher in the Borken district, printing and litho Reichenberg GmbH Bocholt
  • Wolfgang Böcker and Theo Everding in: 300 years of mountain chapel, publisher: Parish St. Brictius Schöppingen 2018, print: k. A.