Ambient Faith, Illuminated Crosses, and the Politics of Public Space in Southeast Europe (20th –21st Century)
Ambient Faith, Illuminated Crosses, and the Politics of Public Space in Southeast Europe (20th –21st Century)

Summary/Abstract: The present paper aims to examine the practice of installing tall crosses in Bulgaria, especially from the beginning of the 21st century onward, through the concept of ‘ambient faith’ [Engelke 2012]. To what extent, and in what ways, is the erection of giant illuminated crosses near settlements an expression of religious faith? This is the main research question I pose. Empirically, the paper is based on the following: a) written sources; b) a brief ethnographic study in one village. I will address the following topics: the concept of ‘ambient faith’; the first known case of installing a giant cross in Bulgaria (Krăstova Gora [Mountain of the Cross]) in the Rhodope Mountains); a comparison between contemporary cross markers and traditional obrok [shrine] open-air crosses; and parallel to similar practices in cross-cultural perspective. In conclusion, I will offer an interpretation of the Bulgarian examples through the lens of the concepts of ‘ambient faith’ and ‘material religion’. I argue that giant Bulgarian illuminated crosses implicitly emphasize that Bulgarian identity is inseparable from its Orthodox genealogy, regardless of the degree to which an individual Bulgarian is a practicing Christian or not. By reinforcing the public aspects of religiosity, ambient faith contributes to the introduction of new forms and a renewed life of religion.

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