by: JacquelyneJada
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Word Count: 468

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The humble door - it is likely that most of us pay it scant heed as we walk through it but at times it can take on greater significance for us.

For example, a door is to be knocked on when closed and when the occupant of the space it guards has clearly done so for reasons of privacy. Even if unlocked and even if glass permits what or who is within the room to be seen, knocking on a door expresses respect for privacy, for the authority of the occupant and acknowledges the unwritten role of the door in serving as a barrier to the unbidden.

Doors are also slammed, rarely to express pleasure - far more likely in fits of rage or frustration. Why should this be so? Well, for one thing a door has a weight of its own yet easily pivots on its hinges permitting even the weakest amongst us to produce the most thunderous sound of displeasure that can rock a house to its foundations. However, this act is also a statement of violent separation, and a desire to place a barrier between us and the object of our ire. Opening a door thus slammed requires a loss of face on the part of one party or the other - only humility can "unslam" a door once slammed.

A door closing can also have an ominous association, especially when we are on the wrong side of it and we are not doing the closing. Indeed, some doors close to us, never to be opened again, whether they be internal doors or external ones, and trapping us either outside or in. A prisoner in his cell is only too aware of his door as that simple device that stands between him and freedom.

A door can also be thought of as protection, of course. There is nothing more comforting than a solid door locked and barred between us and danger, perceived or otherwise, inclement weather or the unseen threats that night brings.

It is interesting to think that the door has been a part of the lives of the human race since the dawn of history. The Egyptians, thousands of years ago, already had magnificent great doors to protect them - we know this from the ancient paintings they left behind, long after these doors had crumbled.

Biblical accounts tell of King Solomon and the magnificent doors he built for the Temple of olive wood and overlaid with gold.

One cannot help but wonder, did these doors see the same use as our doors today? Were they slammed in anger by ancient men no less prone to ire than us? One can only suppose that the answer is yes.

About the Author

This article was originally published here at this internal doors site and has been used and adapted with the permission of its author. You will also find more interior doors information here.

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