Impressive, huh? This is the Ka'aba, the House of Allah. It is located in Saudi Arabia in Mecca, a place whose name is familiar to everyone even if it's purpose is not. What fascinated me is that the Ka'aba is actually built from just ordinary stone, but is covered with this snazzy black and gold curtain called the Kiswah.

Turns out this gets replaced annually and if you're a super special person you may even be gifted with an individual piece of the old Kiswah. Way cool, huh?

As a class, we are interested in Mecca and the Ka'aba since it is a notable sacred space centered around, effectively, a large rock. The eastern cornerstone is supposedly an ancient meteorite which tradition says came to earth a glorious white color but was turned black due to sin. The Ka'aba itself is a pretty fundamental and symbolic rock with loads of history — Abraham supposedly built it — which showcases quite well the mythological significance of rocks. These are absolutely timeless. They are a piece of the earth (something we can equate with the mother goddess) and convey a sense of reliable strength and permanence. If I were trying to create something meaningful, I would definitely include some rocks.

Muslim believers are supposed to make a pilgrimage to Mecca and the Ka'aba once within their lifetime and it is towards that city that they bow each day in prayer. That's how important it is.

If I were a rock, this is what I'd want to be. ;)