The piano is profoundly important to Bernice because it serves as a powerful link to her family's past, a medium for spiritual connection, and a cherished legacy passed down through generations.
The Piano as a Family Legacy and Spiritual Conduit
For Bernice, the piano is far more than just a musical instrument; it embodies her family's history, their struggles, and their spiritual presence. Its significance stems from both its origins within her family and its unique role in facilitating communication with ancestors.
Key Aspects of the Piano's Importance to Bernice:
- Maternal Introduction: Bernice's connection to the piano began in childhood, as her mother was the one who first led her to it. This initial introduction ingrained the instrument with deep personal and familial value.
- Childhood Performances: As a child, Bernice played the piano specifically for her mother, establishing an early emotional bond with the instrument rooted in their relationship.
- Ancestral Channeling: The piano served as a sacred tool through which Bernice acted as a "priestess." Her music allowed her to channel the family's "ghosts" or ancestral spirits, bridging the gap between the living and the dead.
- Communication with Departed Loved Ones: Most significantly, Bernice's music on the piano enabled her mother to communicate directly with her deceased father, highlighting its irreplaceable role in maintaining familial connections beyond life.
- Animating Family History: The piano's carved figures, which likely depict aspects of the family's lineage or experiences, were animated by Bernice's music, bringing the family's tangible history to life.
The table below summarizes the core reasons for the piano's immense importance to Bernice:
| Aspect of Importance | Description/Impact |
|---|---|
| Family Inheritance | Her mother introduced her to it, marking it as a treasured family possession. |
| Spiritual Medium | Bernice used it to channel and connect with ancestral spirits. |
| Ancestral Dialogue | Her music facilitated direct communication between her mother and her deceased father. |
| Animating the Past | The music brought the piano's carved figures, representing family history, to life. |
Ultimately, the piano represents a nexus of memory, spiritual power, and familial duty for Bernice. It is not merely an object, but an active participant in her family's narrative, holding the echoes of their past and the potential for their continued spiritual connection.
