Changing objects into signs. Object-related code in Corpus Christi tradition of flower carpets in spycimierz

Abstract

The article constitutes a semiotic analysis of items (materials, tools, cult objects) used in Spycimierz (Łódź voievodship, Poddębice county, Uniejów commune) during Corpus Christi celebration. On the national level, the holiday is distinguished by exceedingly rich décor of the village, particularly two-kilometer long flower carpets laid alongside the entire Eucharistic procession route. The author applied the object-related code analysis for the ritual based on the semiophore theory by Krzysztof Pomian. Thus SEMIOPHORES are represented here as flower carpets, gates and altars – elements of the highest sacral value in procession and holy mass. They both emerge from and are created by OBJECTS – materials, tools, assisted by MEDIA – cameras and video cameras. After the procession a SEMIOPHORE desacralisation process occurs, during which they lose symbolic functions and high values they represent. Part of the materials is utilised for further usage next year when they become OBJECTS. The other part, described as WASTE, arrives finally in a composter and transforms into BODIES or soil, out of which flowers will grow the following year. Due to the fact that blossoms will form a flower carpet or decorate an altar, the aforementioned circulation of items can be referred to as “Spycimierz continuum”.