Shrine

For other uses, see Shrine (disambiguation).
The shrine of the Hodegetria at the Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk, Russia, photographed by Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky (1912).
Shrine to Tin Hau at Repulse Bay, Southern District, Hong Kong.
Shrine to Durga in Panam City

A shrine (Latin: scrinium "case or chest for books or papers"; Old French: escrin "box or case")[1] is a sacred space dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon, or similar figure of respect, wherein they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated.[2] 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, Chinese folk religion, Shinto, indigenous Philippine folk religions, and Germanic paganism 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 as household shrines. Portable shrines are also found in some cultures.[3]

  1. ^ Harper, Douglas. "shrine". Online Etymology Dictionary.
  2. ^ Shrine. thefreedictionary.com
  3. ^ Portable Tibetan Shrine Archived 2015-10-19 at the Wayback Machine. British Museum