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The numbers on the inside portion of this medieval reproduction of a ring refer to the hours of the day (like a sun-dial). When the outer edge of the ring is placed on its flat surface with the small hole (oculus = eye) facing the SUN, the beam of light shines on the correct HOUR of the day (anywhere from 5am thru 7pm) by fixing the angle of sunlight streaming through the openning. The outer surface of the ring is a Latin inscription tribute to the ancient sun-cult and winter-solstice observations that the cycle of LIGHT will always begin again, and ever grow brighter (HOPE in the winter of our lives and dark times). Later Christianity attributed this natural order of things to Christ = Son of God + LIGHT of the world. The ring was manufactured for a novelty mall-store called (I believe) The World of Science, which has gone out of business now for over 10 years. Other medieval reproductions included a seasonal star-finder and moon-cycle device.

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17y ago

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