One prominent example is the Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) shrine in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. According to legend, this shrine was built on an artificial island created by local seamen who laid stones in the water every time they returned from a safe voyage. The tradition continues to this day with a ceremony called “Fašinada,” where locals throw stones into the sea. The shrine houses a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, and the island itself is a testament to faith, community, and resilience amidst rocky surroundings.
Similar traditions exist worldwide, where the “Lady of the Rocks” becomes a symbol of protection in perilous natural settings, symbolizing spiritual shelter and maternal care.
Mythological and Pre-Christian Roots
The reverence for a female figure associated with rocks and mountains predates Christianity in many regions. Ancient European mythologies often honored goddesses of nature, earth, and fertility who were connected to stone, caves, or cliffs.
For example, in Celtic traditions, goddesses such as Brigid or Danu were linked to sacred natural sites like springs, hills, and rocky outcrops. These places were seen as liminal zones where the divine and earthly realms met. The Christian Lady of the Rocks may be understood as a syncretic figure, merging older local beliefs about earth goddesses with Marian devotion.
This blending allowed Christianity to resonate more deeply with local populations, preserving the sanctity of ancient sites while reinterpreting their significance through a Christian lens. shutdown123