(EECA) Theme of Sacred Spaces and Objects of Devotion

Theme of Sacred Spaces and Objects of Devotion

Throughout history, sacred spaces have played significant roles in varying religions.

Sacred space is any space or area that has been dedicated to a holy purpose. An emphasis on sacred space is found in all of the world's religions, and they all have places set aside as holy, that they use for worship, prayer, and important rituals. The name for this space differs according to faith (church, mosque, synagogue, sanctuary, temple, etc.), but the point remains the same: it is a place where believers can encounter their God or gods in a special way.

Sometimes, a holy person has visited a place and given it an even more sacred character. This space is often even more important in religious tradition and becomes a place of pilgrimage, where people visit. This is normally called a shrine. Examples of shrines are the Vatican, Jerusalem, Mecca, and various smaller shrines throughout the world.      

Some people prefer to create a more permanent sacred space in their everyday life, which is often accomplished through home shrines or altars. This area is often distinguished from the rest of the house by sacred objects. It then becomes a sacred space where the family gathers for prayer and devotion.

An object of devotion is a thing that is consecrated, or declared or believed to be holy; devoted to a deity or some religious use. Examples can be reliquaries, icons, and holy books like psalters to name a few that are discussed in this module.

A reliquary is a protective container used for the storage and display of relics. Relics were a part of the body of a dead saint that was preserved for veneration. Believed to have miraculous powers, some relics have come to play key roles in certain church festivals and became popular during the Byzantine period. Bodies of saints were often moved and divided between Churches and displayed in the church. While many relics were honored and venerated, this form of devotion was not viewed as a form of worship.

Icons were also popular devotional objects during the Byzantine period. These objects, which varied in size, depicted the image of a saint, or sacred person such as Christ or Mary. The paintings were considered sacred and were venerated. The images were often painted on wood panels. Many icons were gilded with precious metals.

 

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