Gromnica, 2021

Completed for The End is Nigh exhibition at Light Grey Art Lab in Minneapolis, MN.

The gromnica, meaning “thunder candle” in Polish, is a protective object of personal value. As its name implies, the gromnica popularly is used as a protection against storms, and as a tool of blessing on the ritual holiday known as Candlemas-- however, these candles hold great significance as a representation of human life, and are often gifted to children at a young age. It is believed that the gromnica protects its owner throughout their lifetime; and it is customary that the gromnica burns for the very last time at the vigil (czuwanie) of its owner before being buried with them. In this way, the gromnica dies with its owner. 

While gromnice exist today as an object tied to Catholicism in Poland, thunder candles hold their roots deep within old Slavic culture and religion. Gromnice were lit and placed upon a windowsill as a protection to ward off lightning storms, wildfires, and wolves. It was also common that a piece of a gromnica be buried in the middle of a field to protect property, as well as beneath the foundations or thresholds of a home to ensure its safety. 

Although gromnice are used far less today, they remain an incredible symbol of protection and human life.