Symboler i Dalby

Interpretations of the church, monastery and manor of Dalby have focused primarily on the history and functions of the buildings, but symbolic interpretations have been involved too. The article discusses four categories of symbolic interpretations: Power Symbols, Cosmic Symbols, Biblical Symbols and Geographical Symbols. The conclusion is that it is hard, when dealing with specific buildings, to demonstrate which symbolical meanings were intended and recognized by people living in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The line between scholarship and madness is thin. No strict method for avoiding madness exists, but it is wise to consciously avoid anachronisms, doubt one’s favourite mental images and take seriously any facts that “disturb” a seemingly plausible interpretation. Historical knowledge, constant practice and dialogue with other scholars are other preconditions. Risks remain, but the symbolic richness of Dalby makes us take them gladly.