Everything Everywhere Daily: Episode Summary - Holy Relics

Podcast Title: Everything Everywhere Daily
Host: Gary Arndt
Episode Title: Holy Relics
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction to Holy Relics

In this episode, host Gary Arndt delves into the fascinating world of holy relics—venerated objects that serve as tangible connections to significant figures across various religious traditions. Gary explores the historical significance, authenticity debates, and the economic impact of relics, particularly during the Middle Ages.

Relics in Ancient Religions

Ancient Greece

Gary begins by highlighting that the veneration of relics is not solely a Christian phenomenon. In ancient Greece, relics played a crucial role in religion, mythology, and civic identity. For instance, the bones of Orestes were believed to be pivotal for Sparta's victory in the Peloponnesian War. As Gary explains:

"The bones of Orestes were said to be crucial for Sparta's victory... [00:10]."

Similarly, the remains of Theseus were reclaimed and reinterred in Athens, reinforcing his status as a national hero and turning his tomb into a shrine where people sought blessings and protection.

Buddhism

Gary transitions to Buddhist relics, focusing on the Buddha's tooth. According to tradition, after the Buddha's cremation in 483 BC, his disciple Kama retrieved his left canine, which became a symbol of divine legitimacy. This tooth relic has a storied history, moving through various locations in Sri Lanka and ultimately residing in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Gary notes:

"The Buddha's tooth is just one example... [04:30]."

From April 18 to April 27, 2025, the tooth was publicly displayed, attracting an estimated one million visitors.

Christian Relics

Early Christianity and Martyr Relics

The veneration of relics gained significant prominence in early Christianity, especially during Roman persecutions. Early Christians honored the tombs of martyrs, believing their remains possessed spiritual power. Gary references the martyrdom of Polycarp in 155 AD:

"Christians collected the ashes and bones of Polycarp as they were more precious than gold... [06:45]."

The True Cross

One of the most iconic Christian relics is the True Cross. According to tradition, Emperor Constantine's mother, St. Helena, discovered fragments of the True Cross in Jerusalem around 326 AD. These fragments were distributed across Europe, enhancing the prestige of various churches and monasteries. Gary elaborates:

"By the time of the crusades, possession of a fragment of the True Cross was a mark of prestige and divine favor... [12:15]."

However, the proliferation of True Cross fragments led to widespread skepticism. Figures like Erasmus of Rotterdam and John Calvin criticized the excess, with Erasmus humorously suggesting the fragments could "fill a ship" ([14:20]) and Calvin asserting they could form "a whole forest" if gathered together ([15:05]).

Authentication Challenges

The authenticity of relics became increasingly questionable as more fragments surfaced. In the 19th century, archaeologist Charles de Fleury estimated that the total volume of claimed True Cross fragments was less than that of a single Roman-era cross, highlighting the improbability of their authenticity.

Categories of Relics

Gary outlines the classification of relics into three categories:

1. First-Class Relics: Physical remains of saints (e.g., bones, blood, hair).
2. Second-Class Relics: Items used by the saint (e.g., clothing, books).
3. Third-Class Relics: Objects that have touched first or second-class relics.

He emphasizes that items like the True Cross fall under second-class relics, while pieces such as holy nails or the Shroud of Turin are unique and often subject to authenticity debates.

Relics in Other Religions

Islam

While relics hold less significance in Islam compared to Christianity, Gary highlights the extensive collection housed at the Topkapa Palace in Istanbul. This collection includes over 600 items related to the Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic figures, such as:

• The Holy mantle worn by Muhammad
• Individual hairs from Muhammad's beard
• The Prophet's sword and bow
• A stone imprinted with Muhammad's footprint
• Diplomatic letters written by Muhammad

Modern Secular Relics

Transitioning to the present, Gary draws parallels between religious relics and contemporary collectibles. He notes that today’s "relics" often take the form of celebrity memorabilia, such as:

• Game-worn uniforms
• Autographed items
• Hair clippings (e.g., Neil Armstrong's barber selling his hair for $3,000 in 2005)

Gary explains:

"Relics, whether holy or not, are a physical link to someone that people respect, worship or venerate... [30:45]."

This modern take on relics underscores humanity's enduring desire to connect with revered figures through tangible objects.

Conclusion

Gary concludes by affirming that relics, in their various forms, have been integral to human culture for millennia and continue to hold significance today. Whether as sacred religious artifacts or as secular collectibles, relics serve as enduring symbols of connection, reverence, and identity.

"Relics in one form or another have been around for thousands of years and... they will likely be around for thousands more... [35:50]."

Notable Quotes

• Gary Arndt on the Spread of Relics:

  "By the time of the crusades, possession of a fragment of the True Cross was a mark of prestige and divine favor." ([12:15])

• Erasmus of Rotterdam on Relic Proliferation:

  "There were so many pieces of the True Cross that they could fill a ship." ([14:20])

• John Calvin on Relic Authenticity:

  "If all the fragments of the True Cross were gathered together, they could form a whole forest." ([15:05])

• Gary Arndt on Modern Relics:

  "Relics, whether holy or not, are a physical link to someone that people respect, worship or venerate." ([30:45])

This comprehensive exploration of Holy Relics offers listeners an in-depth understanding of their historical significance, the challenges of authentication, and their evolution into modern-day collectibles. Whether you're an avid history enthusiast or curious about the interplay between religion and commerce, this episode provides valuable insights into the enduring allure of relics.