Friday, May 02, 2008

Threshold

Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Threshold: Like the door, it is a symbol of transition from one place or condition to another, and of the separation between places, conditions, etc. Not letting a person cross the threshold means not wanting to have anything to do with that person, whereas "camping on someone's doorstep" (or threshold) means persistently seeking contact with that person. The threshold of the temple is regarded in many cultures as holy, and thus a special sort of cleaning or purification is often required before crossing it (e.g., removal of the shoes at the threshold of the mosque). Among various peoples the threshold itself must not be stepped on. (Herder)

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