“Its underlying concept – that repeated rebuilding renders sanctuaries eternal – is unique in the world.” – on the festival of Sikinen Sengo ceremony At the request of a friend I began reading Symbols and Allegories in Art by Matilde Battistini. Behind the introductory pages, the first symbol is easily recognizable but a curious one. At first glance it seems contradictory, if not absolutely futile, it is the symbol of Ouroboros — the snake that eats its own tail. In a time following tragedy, the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral, the allegory of Ouroboros reminds us of the importance of regenerating architecture that was beset by chaos. The self-eating serpent originated in Egyptian mythology and represented the yearly cycle – or a ring of…