Sunday the 28th June 2026 was the anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914.
Rebecca West’s book ‘Black Lamb and Grey Falcon’ gives a very good background to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and a wider view of the outcome of that event,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lamb_and_Grey_Falcon
It’s also a good read as Rebecca West understands and ‘draws’ characters well.
I’ll quote from the beginning of the section entitled ‘Skoplje’:
”….all that we are and do means nothing, all that our ancestors were and did means nothing, unless we are naturally the equals of the peasant women on the Skopska Tserna Gora and in Bitolj, whose fingers never forget the pattern that an ancient culture had created as symbols for what it had discovered regarding life and death.”
I was so impressed with this when I read the book, nearly 30 years ago, that I marked the passage in pencil, which is why I could easily find it again now!
And now, it also reminds me of the wonders which are being found at archaeological sites – memories of what folk once knew, and encoded in objects, and that we are in danger of forgetting. But these objects, such as the EOASSK from the Ness of Brodgar, are coming to light to wake us up again. I hope.…..
Strangely enough….a band chose to name themselves after the Archduke
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Ferdinand_(band)
For me, the quote from Rebecca West’s book also connects with the recent exhibition of art work by Scots and Ukrainian artists in the Pier Arts Centre
how memories and knowledge is held in folklore and mythology.
We have since arranged to buy Alina’s painting of Beira. I’ll quote from my exchange with her about it,
“My husband Mike and I were talking about Beira this morning. When I saw your painting I said that I know her, I recognize her. At the time, I didn’t feel a need to take her home with me, as she’s here already, in me and in everyone and all of life.
This morning, we developed that line of thought.
I was seeing Beira as representing the quiet, winter times in which we, and the earth can rest until a lighter way of being returns.
I feel that your painting catches that perfectly – her face is strong, knowing, calm, compassionate, peaceful but at the same time – you wouldn’t want to cross her! I would like to welcome that image – and that concept – into our house.
To me, your image of Beira is recognizable as a strong aspect of humanity and LIFE.
In our house, we have a Healing room where we sit to meditate and make a conscious connection with LIFE, the Universe – whatever folk choose to call it. Your image of Beira will go there.
Sometimes I have a troubled mind, and life seems to be bleak. I need to remind myself to work with and through those times, to the lighter times. Your image, and the concept of Beira, will help me to do that. That’s why she’s going in the Healing-room – to add to the positive energy there.”
It could be said that the effects of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand are still with us…..it led to the 1st World War, the messy resolution of which led to Germany nursing grievances, which led to the 2nd World War. The messy resolution of which has led directly to the horrors that are happening in Gaza right now.
One thing leads to another, and we don’t learn.
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