{"id":82528,"date":"2025-06-09T16:45:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T13:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jerusalem-online.co.il\/?p=82528"},"modified":"2025-08-15T18:09:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T15:09:44","slug":"spat-on-in-jerusalem-but-still-marching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerusalem-online.co.il\/en\/spat-on-in-jerusalem-but-still-marching\/","title":{"rendered":"Spat On in Jerusalem, But Still Marching"},"content":{"rendered":"

A strange and powerful rhythm echoed across the ancient stones of Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. There were no drums, no trumpets \u2014 only the sharp, resonant sound of wood striking stone. The noise was steady, ritualistic, and completely unexpected. It silenced conversations and drew the attention of tourists, shopkeepers, and passersby alike<\/p>\n

Out of the arched entrance came a group of Christian monks and clergy, dressed in long black robes and holding wooden staffs, walking solemnly in a tight formation. In their hands they carried not only crosses, but echoes of centuries-old traditions. It looked less like a public parade and more like a vision from the past \u2014 a medieval ritual alive in the present<\/p>\n

A City of Living Rituals<\/h3>\n

For those watching, it was a reminder that Jerusalem isn\u2019t just a historical destination. It’s a living city of sacred routines, many of which remain hidden from the everyday visitor. The marching monks, members of a long-standing religious order in the Old City, were performing a spiritual procession \u2014 not for show, but for prayer<\/p>\n

The staffs they carried \u2014 called semantaria<\/em> \u2014 once served as substitutes for church bells in times when such sounds were banned. Their robes symbolize humility; their red hats (kalymmavkia<\/em>) represent devotion and sacrifice. These are not costumes, but sacred garments<\/p>\n