Unique – Unity - Trinity?

The Three-Hares-Window in the cloister of the High Dome of Paderborn (cathedral of Paderborn) is a very special window. In the tracery of this window dating from the early 16th century you can see three hares running in a circle. But watch closely: There are three hares and only three ears – still, every hare has got two ears. An old verse puts it this way „Der Hasen und der Löffel drei, und doch hat jeder Hase zwei“ – „Three of the hares and three of the ears, yet every hare has got two.“

Symmetrical figures of three are called Triskelion. They are quite common in the Celtic culture. But why do we find one here in a medieval Christian church of Central Europe?

The symbol of the hare might refer to Easter. Then this Triskelion might refer to the Holy Trinity. The „shared“ ears would then be a symbol for unity of the trinity. Trinitarian concepts have always been quite difficult in the Christian religion. Symbols are one possible way to approach this mystery.

Another way of approach is enjoying the craftsmanship and beauty of the architecture.

Actually this panorama was taken on the feast of Corpus Christi, the first Thursday after the feast of Holy Trinity.

Europe / Germany

Lat: 51° 43' 10.07" N
Long: 8° 45' 24.07" E

Elevation: 117 m

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Precision is: High. Pinpoints the exact spot.

Canon EOS 5D MKII, Canon 15mm, Nodal Ninja R1, SIRUI P-324S Monopod, DXO, PTGui Pro, Photoshop, Pano2VR