OUR LADY OF THE DARK FOREST

This wooden image of Mary, holding her son Jesus, is a famous cult figure housed in the Benedictine abbey in Einsedeln, Switzerland. The regal Madonna is always crowned and holds a sceptre. The child is also crowned. Many offerings hand from both mother and child, gifts of those who have received blessings and miracles. According to legend the statue was found in the forest by a monk in the 14c. and was installed in the monestary chapel. Soon after it began to attract pilgrims, and has remained a center of devotion to this day.

The statue is shown here in one of a number of real outfits which are all meticulously embroidered and which were donated by wealthy patrons. The robes shown here were given in 1861 by Creszentia Bayer of Innsbruck. The child's robes match. There is an entire book published about the various outfits given to this Virgin. Her clothing is frequently changed ot reflect seasonal and church festivities. The robe pictured here features a pomegranate design. Candies, lilies and roses are associated with her veneration.

The image has been photographed many times, been described by travelers and referred to in publications. These invariably show her in front of a lavish gold baroque screen, clothed in glittering, magestic robes of velvet silver and gold. The effect is heightened by the chains, rosaries and jewels which hang from the figure or decorate her crowns. The impression is one of great dignity and grandure as befits a queen and a miracle-worker.