Why does the Madonna of Loreto have dark skin?

When it comes to the Madonna one imagines her as a beautiful woman, with delicate features and cold skin, wrapped in a long white dress and a halo on her head. However, not all countries keep the classic Madonna described above in their sanctuary, but they venerate and love the Black Madonna.

There are many in Italy the Madonnas fromdark skinned. Among the most famous we can include the Madonna of Tindari, that of Loreto and that of Oropa and Viggiano.

In some cases the dark color of the Madonna's skin is due to smoke and oxidation, in other cases, such as the African ones, it is dark as it has the somatic traits typical of the area. Today in particular, however, we want to deal with Our Lady of Loreto and understand why she is depicted with dark skin.

Because the Madonna of Loreto has dark skin

La Our Lady of Loreto it is one of the most important and revered religious icons throughout the world. Its history has its roots in fifteenth century, when a small building was transported from Europe to Italy and placed near Loreto, in the north-east of the country. This building became known as the Holy House of Loreto and it has become a place of pilgrimage for the Catholic faithful.

But why is she depicted with the dark skin? The original color is due to smoke from oil lamps which altered its original colours. Then in 1921, when a terrible fire destroyed the original statue, to remember it, they built another one maintaining the original color.

This aspect of the Madonna of Loreto has great importance in the context of Christian message of inclusion and equality between people of different races and cultures. Many believers find comfort in the idea that Mary, mother of Jesus, was a universal figure that embraces all peoples, regardless of the color of their skin.