Doors Reveal Beauty in the Ordinary

Doors have long held significance in both architecture and culture, functioning as barriers and potent symbols. Initially crafted from simple materials like wood and stone, early doors provided protection against weather and intruders. In ancient Egypt, however, doors took on additional meaning: adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs, they acted as both security and as cultural symbols, bridging the physical and spiritual.

As societies progressed, so did door designs. Greek and Roman civilizations introduced more advanced double doors and locking mechanisms, reflecting evolving notions of privacy and accessibility. By the medieval period, doors were fortified with iron, symbolizing wealth and power. During the Renaissance, doors transformed into artistic masterpieces, showcasing the skill and creativity of their makers.

In modern architecture, doors remain functional and beautiful, yet they still hold symbolic weight. In Christian art, doors represent entry into sacred spaces. Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise on Florence’s Baptistery illustrate Old Testament stories, symbolizing humanity’s journey toward redemption and understanding. Through these doors, art offers a vision of spiritual growth.

In visual art, doors evoke mystery, curiosity, or even fear. Surrealist painters often use closed doors to hint at the unknown. In The Unexpected Answer, René Magritte presents a door with a hollowed-out shape opening into darkness, challenging viewers to question reality and explore new dimensions of thought.

Contemporary artists continue to explore door symbolism. South Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s fabric installations recreate doors from his past homes, invoking memory and identity. His work reminds us that doors signify transitions through time and place. Similarly, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room: The Souls of Millions of Light-Years Away uses mirrored doors to create illusions of infinite space, blending physical boundaries with cosmic reflection.

In literature, doors often symbolize choice, transformation, and self-discovery. In The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, each door the protagonist, Zachary, encounters represents a choice, guiding him deeper into magical realms and self-understanding. Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere follows Richard Mayhew, who meets a character named Door, who brings him into London Below, a hidden world where doors become gateways to change and adventure.

Music also uses doors as metaphors, portraying them as symbols of opportunity or challenge. Open doors convey new beginnings, while closed doors reflect isolation or obstacles. Teddy Pendergrass’s "Close the Door" uses the closed door as a symbol of intimacy and connection, while Pete Townshend’s "Let My Love Open the Door" encourages openness and vulnerability. Dolly Parton’s "Two Doors Down" tells of recovery and social connection, as a lonely character finds joy just a few doors away. Here, doors represent life’s emotional transitions and moments of openness and renewal.

Natural formations resembling doors evoke similar wonder and fascination. Tianmen Mountain’s Heaven’s Gate in China, a vast natural arch, invites contemplation on life’s spiritual journey. Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell," is a fiery pit that has burned since the 1970s, symbolizing nature’s raw power and humanity’s curiosity about the unknown.

In Cambodia, Ta Prohm temple’s doors are enveloped by giant tree roots, symbolizing the balance between human resilience and nature’s advance. This powerful scene reminds us that even strong achievements eventually face the forces of time and change.

In many religions, doors symbolize spiritual thresholds. Hindu temples often include doorways that mark the shift from secular to sacred space. In Buddhist architecture, stupa gates signify the transition toward enlightenment. Mythology from various cultures also presents doors as portals to oth

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Welcome to the None But Curious podcast. We're all about finding inspiration in life's uncertainties.
Whether you're still figuring things out, questioning your beliefs, or just curious
about the world, come hang out with us as we celebrate the beauty of not having all the answers.

(00:22):
Each month we explore the worlds of art, music, literature, and nature,
uncovering the extraordinary in what often seems ordinary. Through these explorations,
we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and inspiration around us,
finding sacredness in everyday moments. This month, our focus is on doors.
Doors have been essential to architecture and civilization since ancient times,

(00:46):
serving as both practical and symbolic barriers. The earliest doors, made from materials like
wood and stone, were simple and functional, designed to offer protection from the elements
and intruders. In ancient Egypt, doors were often decorated with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs,
reflecting their symbolic importance in religious and moral contexts.
The Greeks and Romans advanced door design with innovations like double doors and complex

(01:09):
locking mechanisms, which were integral to both private homes and public buildings.
As architectural styles evolved, so did door design. During the medieval period,
doors became fortified with ironwork, enhancing their security for castles and fortresses and
signifying wealth, power, and religious devotion. The Renaissance saw doors become more ornate,
with elaborate woodwork and classical proportions reflecting the era's artistic and architectural

(01:33):
ideals. The Industrial Revolution introduced mass production techniques, making doors more
accessible and diverse in design. In modern times, doors continue to evolve with advancements in
materials and technology, integrating aesthetics with functionality to meet contemporary needs.
As door design advanced through the ages, its symbolic and functional roles in art also began

(01:54):
to reflect these changes. In art, doors often symbolize transition and passage,
representing movement from one phase of life to another or from life to death. This is especially
pronounced in religious and spiritual art, where doors are depicted as access points to the divine
or the afterlife. In Christian iconography, gates are frequently portrayed as symbols of entry into

(02:16):
heaven or sacred spaces, emphasizing the idea of spiritual transition. A notable example for
Christian art is the Gates of Paradise, a pair of gilded bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti for the
Florence Baptistery. The relief panels on these doors, depicting scenes from the Old Testament,
illustrate the transition from sin to salvation. Doors in art also embody mystery and the unknown.

(02:41):
A closed door can evoke curiosity or fear, hinting at something hidden or secret. This theme is
particularly prominent in Surrealist art, where doors are often used to challenge perceptions of
reality. Belgian Surrealist René Magritte frequently employed door imagery to explore
the boundaries of reality and illusion. In his 1933 painting The Unexpected Answer, Magritte

(03:03):
depicts a door with an irregular cutout, revealing a dark, ambiguous space behind it.
This artwork challenges the viewer's expectations, proposing that doors are more than just physical
barriers. They serve as gateways to alternate realities. In this context, the door becomes
a metaphor for the unknown, prompting viewers to consider what might lie beyond the visible world.

(03:24):
Doors can also represent boundaries and barriers, both physical and metaphorical,
marking divisions between inside and outside, private and public, or self and others.
Marcel Duchamp's installation Étant donné exemplifies this concept. Viewed through a peephole
and a wooden door, the piece reveals a detailed scene of a naked female figure lying on a bed of
twigs, set against the landscape with a distant waterfall. The door serves as a boundary between

(03:48):
the viewer and the concealed reality, emphasizing the voyeuristic nature of the artwork.
Duchamp's use of the door as a barrier highlights the idea that some aspects of reality are hidden
from view, accessible only through a limited perspective. The installation forces the viewer
to confront the limitations of their perception, suggesting that doors can both conceal and reveal

(04:08):
truths. Contemporary artists continue to find inspiration in the symbolism of doors.
South Korean artist Do Ho Suh, for example, creates fabric installations of life-sized doorways,
rooms, and corridors from his past homes. His work explores themes of memory, displacement,
and identity, using doors as metaphors for the passage of time and the fluid nature of home.

(04:32):
Suh's fabric doors, which can be packed up and moved, symbolize the impermanence of home and

the transient nature of life. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room (04:36):
The Souls
of Millions of Light-Years Away, employs mirrored doors to create the illusion of infinite space.
In this installation, doors serve as gateways to another dimension, exploring themes of eternity
and the cosmos. Kusama's approach transforms the doors beyond their physical function,

(04:58):
turning them into symbols of limitless and the eternal. In literature, doors often symbolize
choices and opportunities, marking crucial moments where characters must determine their next steps.
In Erin Morgenstern's novel, The Starless Sea, doors are masterfully used as portals to other
worlds, representing journeys into various layers of reality and narrative. The protagonist, Zachary,

(05:21):
comes across a mysterious book that contains a story about him, known only to him alone, or so
he thought. It leads him to a hidden realm with doors symbolizing his entry into the unknown.
Morgenstern's novel is a labyrinth of stories within stories, where doors serve not just as
entry points, but also as symbols of choice, fate, and destiny. The recurring imagery of

(05:42):
keys and doors highlights the themes of unlocking secrets and discovering hidden truths. Each door
in the story represents a decision and a step into new reality, reflecting the intricate interplay
of choice and consequence. And it is also one of my all-time favorite books. Doors also signify
boundaries and separation in literature, marking the divide between different worlds or phases of

(06:05):
life. In Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, another favorite, the protagonist Richard Mayhew first encounters
Door when he finds her injured and seeking help on the street. This pivotal moment pulls Richard
into the hidden world of London Below, a realm accessible through various doors and passages.
Door, who symbolizes passage and transition, becomes Richard's guide through the subterranean world.

(06:29):
Gaiman uses doors to explore themes of invisibility, marginalization, and self-discovery.
The doors in Neverwhere act as gateways between the familiar and the unknown,
the mundane and the magical. As Richard navigates these doors, he transitions from an ordinary life
to one of adventure and self-discovery. His reluctance to return to his old life with his
fiancée after experiencing the wonders of London Below emphasizes the transformative

(06:53):
impact of this journey and his desire for a new reality. In music, doors are frequently used as
metaphors for opportunities and barriers. Open doors symbolize new chances or possibilities,
while closed or locked doors represent obstacles or exclusion. However, Teddy Pendergrass' Close
the Door uses the door as a symbol of intimacy and personal space, suggesting a closing off from

(07:18):
the outside world for a private, meaningful connection. Here are some of the lyrics.
Close the door, let me give you what you've been waiting for.
Baby, I got so much love to give, and I want to give it all to you. Close the door.
Pete Townshend's Let My Love Open the Door presents doors as symbols of emotional openness

(07:41):
and healing. The song encourages breaking down barriers to love and connection, using the door
as a metaphor for opening oneself to new possibilities and relationships. This song
reflects the theme of emotional vulnerability, with the door serving as a gateway to the heart.
Here are his lyrics. When everything feels all over, everybody seems unkind. I'll give you

(08:03):
a four-leaf clover, take all worry out of your mind. Let my love open the door. Let my love open
the door. Let my love open the door to your heart. If it gets stuck in your head, sorry.
Herman's Hermits' This Door Swings Both Ways uses the metaphor of a door swinging both ways

(08:23):
to represent the two-way nature of relationships. The lyrics highlight that both partners have the
freedom to come and go, emphasizing the importance of mutual communication and shared decision-making
in love and commitment. And Dolly Parton's song Two Doors Down follows a woman who,
feeling lonely after a breakup, hears a party taking place just two doors down from her

(08:44):
apartment. Hoping to lift her spirits, she decides to join the celebration. At the party,
she meets a new man, and they end up returning to her apartment to have a party of their own.
The song explores themes of moving on and finding happiness in unexpected places.
Natural openings often evoke a sense of intrigue and possibility, representing gateways to hidden

(09:07):
realms or spiritual journeys. These natural thresholds highlight the deep connection
between the physical and spiritual worlds, suggesting that every opening in nature
offers the potential for transformation and insight. Tianmen Mountain in China is renowned
for its Heaven's Gate, a massive natural arch that represents a gateway to the heavens.
The 999-step staircase leading to this arch enhances its spiritual and cultural symbolism.

(09:33):
The arch is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of the connection between the earthly
and the divine. The Darvaza Gas Crater, located in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert,
is a large fiery pit that has been burning since 1971. It was created when a drilling rig
collapsed into a natural gas field, prompting geologists to ignite the gas to prevent toxic

(09:53):
emissions. Originally expected to burn out within weeks, it has continued to blaze for decades.
Known as the Door to Hell, the crater is about 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep,
and it's become a dramatic symbol of natural power and curiosity for its visitors.
Ta Prohm, situated in Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park, is a remarkable example

(10:16):
of nature and architecture merging. Built in the late 12th century, the temple is famed for
its overgrown state, where massive tree roots entwine the ruins. The doors and passageways
of Ta Prohm are often framed or hidden by heavy overgrowth, illustrating the dynamic relationship
between human construction and the encroaching natural world. This fusion of nature and

(10:38):
spiritual traditions, where doors are rich with symbolic meaning. In Hinduism, for example,
doors and gateways often signify entrances to temples and sacred spaces, marking the shift
from the everyday to the divine. The threshold of a temple door symbolizes the boundary between
the external world and the sacred inner realm, providing a space where devotees can connect with

(10:59):
the divine. Similarly, in Buddhism, the gates of enlightenment are symbolic thresholds on
the path to spiritual awakening. These gates represent stages of spiritual progress, with each
gate leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the nature of reality. The concept of doors
as spiritual thresholds emphasizes the transformative power of crossing into new realms of consciousness.

(11:21):
In many cultures, doors symbolize the transition between life and death. The ancient Egyptians
believed that the afterlife was accessible through a series of doors guarded by deities, each
representing a challenge or test that the soul had to pass. These doors symbolize the journey of the
soul through the afterlife, with each door representing a stage of spiritual progression.
Doors in folklore and mythology are often depicted as portals to other worlds. In Celtic mythology,

(11:45):
the other world is accessible through special doorways hidden in the natural landscape,
such as caves, mounds, or stone circles. These portals represent the threshold between the human
world and the realm of the fae, where time and reality are fluid. Similarly, in Norse mythology,
the Bifrost Bridge is a rainbow pathway that connects the world of humans, Midgard, with the

(12:05):
world of the gods, Asgard. The Bifrost serves as a symbolic door bridge between the mortal and
divine realms, emphasizing the idea of doors as connectors between different planes of existence.
Many myths feature guardians or gatekeepers who protect the entrance to sacred or forbidden
places. In Greek mythology, the three-headed dog Cerberus guards the gates of the underworld,

(12:26):
preventing the dead from leaving and the living from entering. These guardians symbolize the
productive and sometimes forbidding nature of doors as thresholds to unknown or dangerous realms.
In Japanese folklore, the torii gate serves as a traditional marker for entering sacred spaces,
such as Shinto shrines. It delineates the boundary between the ordinary world and the spiritual realm

(12:47):
with its red color symbolizing protection from malevolent forces.
The presence of a torii gate at a shrine's entrance reinforces the sanctity of the area beyond
and conveys the need for respect. Doors are powerful symbols that go beyond their practical
use, embodying deep meanings across different contexts. As thresholds between worlds, symbols

(13:09):
of transition, or markers of mystery, they invite us to explore what lies beyond. Each door we
encounter in our daily lives serves as a reminder of the possibilities and challenges that come with
stepping into new spaces, both physical and metaphorical. They inspire artists, writers,
and thinkers to contemplate the mysteries they represent and the journeys they signify. And as

(13:30):
you reflect on the doors in your own life, consider what new opportunities or insights
might lie beyond the next threshold you encounter. Share your thoughts and ideas with our None But
Curious Facebook community. And don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and review it so
others like you can find it more easily. And until we meet again, make each day awedinary.