Shrine
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A shrine (Latin: scrinium "case or chest for books or papers"; Old French: escrin "box or case") is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated. A shrine at which votive offerings are made is called an altar. Shrines are found in many of the world's religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Wicca, Chinese folk religion and Shinto, as well as in secular and non-religious settings such as a war memorial. Shrines can be found in various settings, such as churches, temples, cemeteries, or in the home, although portable shrines are also found in some cultures.
A shrine may become a focus of a cult image.
See also
- List of shrines
- Makeshift memorial
- Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
- Holiest sites in Islam (Shia)
- Holiest sites in Islam (Sunni)
- Shrines to the Virgin Mary
- Numen
Etymology
“reliquary, ark of the covenant”, from Latin scrinium “case or chest for books or papers”. Of unknown origin. Compare Old Norse skrin, Old High German skrini