From the Vault: The Ancient and Occult History of the “A Christmas Story” Leg Lamp
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What is the 'Major Award' in 'A Christmas Story'?
The 'Major Award' is a lamp shaped like a woman's leg wearing a fishnet stocking, with the shade resembling a mini skirt. It is won by the old man in the film after participating in a trivia contest.
Why did the old man receive the leg lamp as a prize?
The exact reason is never explained in the film. The old man claims it was for mind power, but it's unclear if there was any specific connection between the prize and the trivia contest he won.
What is the historical significance of the leg lamp in ancient civilizations?
Ancient civilizations crafted lamps and containers in shapes resembling human legs or feet. Greek ascos and alabastron vessels, often used to hold oils or perfumes, could be leg-shaped. Roman foot lamps were also common and sometimes had additional symbolic elements, such as a ureus (a curled snake), often associated with divinities.
How did ancient foot lamps potentially relate to religious rituals?
Roman foot lamps were used in incubation rituals, where individuals would sleep in sacred places to receive dreams or visions. They were also associated with the cult of Serapis, a Greco-Egyptian deity, and could be used to illuminate and create a smoky effect before the image of a god.
What is contrapposto and how does it relate to the importance of legs in sculpture?
Contrapposto is a standing human figure carrying its weight on one leg, causing the opposite hip to rise and creating a relaxed curve in the body. This technique, developed in the 5th century BCE, gives classical sculptures a lifelike appearance, suggesting movement and soul. Renaissance artists further refined this technique.
What inspired the leg lamp in 'A Christmas Story'?
The leg lamp was inspired by knee-high soda ads that Gene Shepard remembered seeing in magazines during his childhood. These ads featured shapely legs up to the knee. The leg lamp has since become a symbol of the film and is available as replicas and Christmas-themed items.
Why does the leg lamp create controversy in the film?
The leg lamp is controversial because it objectifies the female form and is considered tacky and inappropriate by the mother. She does not want it displayed in the front of the house, where neighbors can see it, leading to tension and its eventual destruction.
- The leg lamp is a central prop in the 1983 film "A Christmas Story."
- It was inspired by knee-high soda ads.
- Replicas are now widely available, despite the original prop being lost.
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