Chinese Dragons On Display At Grace Cathedral Of San Francisco
The San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral of the Episcopal Church in California installed a decoration with devil’s symbol in its sanctuary to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
A 150m (500ft) long tapestry “2000 Dragons” by a tattoo artist Don Ed Henry is placed in the sanctuary of the Episcopal church, Grace Cathedral, in San Francisco, California (USA). The tapestry was created 12 years ago to celebrate the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. The dragon returned in 2024, only this time it was symbolically located in the Christian church.
The priests and representatives of the Grace Cathedral see no harm in placing the biblical symbol of the devil in church’s sanctuary.
“We saw it as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Nob Hill, where we are located, is immediately next to Chinatown, they are our neighbors. It’s also unexpected, and we love surprising our visitors with our embrace of modern art, especially juxtaposed against the gothic architecture of the cathedral. We see increased numbers of visitors” – Rebecca Nestle, Director of Events & Cultural Programs at Grace Cathedral
It’s worth mentioning that the viewing of the dragon tapestry in Grace Cathedral is not free entertainment. The entry ticket is $12, special discounts are offered to seniors and young adults (children can see the symbol of the evil for free).
ln Christian sacred art (both liturgical and devotional) dragons symbolize the sin and the paganism, the heresy and the devil himself. Dragons are usually depicted as seducers to sinful actions, or defeated and crushed, but never as triumphant victors at the center of the Christian faith, dwarfing with the demonic splendor of their tales the altar and crucifix.
