The altar is what? The meaning of the word "altar"

In ancient times the altar was considered a place of sacrifice, where shamans and sorcerers paid tribute to the gods, asked them to be merciful and help ordinary mortals in their daily affairs. Later the term migrated from paganism to Christianity. And in the times of modern history, he acquired another meaning. Thus, the altar is a word that has many meanings, which we will discuss later.

Slavic altars

Each religion follows its own customs. Denominations differ in their perceptions of the world, they otherwise understand the higher power, they live according to the principles and rules of morality that are peculiar only to them.

The researchers derived an interesting pattern. Like the beliefs that have already disappeared from the face of the earth, and because they still have supporters, similar details are inherent. One of the things that unites the most diverse currents is the altar. This word has Latin roots and is translated as "high altar". Its appearance and application varies depending on religion.

The term was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. On the dais they put statues of the gods, which they worshiped. For example, the emperor Octavian poured out the gold figure of the goddess Victoria in honor of the victory. The sculpture was named "The Altar of Victory".

His history he has and the Gentiles. These people kindled bonfires and sacrificed at the tops of the hills. For the ritual, they used large flat stones. The people believed that the higher the mountain on which the rite is conducted, the closer they are to the gods.

The holy place was also among the Slavs - a multitone boulder on the top of a hill. First he performed the function of the altar. Subsequently, his appointment changed. On the elevation began to put the symbols of faith, figures with the image of God.

Variety of the altar

There are altars in every corner of the world. So, for example, Buddhists have their own meaning for the word "altar". In the East, most often it is a kind of home corner, where a group of objects are located, connected by a meaning. The main objects that are there are things that represent the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. The first is the statue of Enlightenment, which is located in the middle. The second is a special text that symbolizes his words. It lies to the left of the figure. Third - stupa, which stands on the right side. All these items are allowed to be replaced with photographs.

The second group of objects is responsible for the gifts. The spectrum of this class is wide. Usually, seven bowls are used with gifts, which must be arranged strictly in order. To do this, use the same vessels.

As in other cultures, Buddhists place the altar on the highest place in the house and endlessly respect its mystery and magic.

Particle of the temple

Today it became fashionable to follow the trends of the times. More and more people are building in their homes unusual corners. There are several main tips for those who want to, but do not know how to make an altar in their room. The first thing to remember about the Eastern altar is that the main thing in it is a Buddha statue. The figure gains power only after the monks have read the special prayer over it.

When there is a ritual of giving gifts, it should be remembered that a person does this procedure solely for his own good, because the Enlightened in material things do not need. With the help of this rite, karma is purified, and consciousness becomes clearer. At the same time you need to control your thoughts. A person should leave negative, resentment and anger.

In a corner through meditation develop their best side. Buddhism is a spiritual practice that makes people better.

From Paganism to Orthodoxy

The Slavic altars subsequently began to acquire other religious objects and lost the function of the altar. Thus, an entire architectural system was formed. That is why it was easier for our ancestors to perceive temples, in which there were also altars decorated with various images of the Christian God. The role of the boulder in Orthodoxy was played by the elevated part of the church, where religious objects and books were placed. Before the altar, at first there was a low partition, which later was transformed into an iconostasis with royal and side gates.

The secrets of the hall

The churches were always modeled after. Orthodox believe that the temple symbolizes the earth, and its eastern part is perceived as heaven, paradise. The tradition of separating the main part of the structure from the elevation by the iconostasis was first introduced by Christians. They prayed in the catacombs, where they divided the dungeons into two parts. In the front there was a tomb with the relics of a martyr, over which a liturgy was held. Today this role is played by the throne, which stands in the center.

The tabernacle, the monstrance, Miro, the Gospel, the altar cross are in the closed room of the temple, it is the altar. The photo shows the setting of the room, in which you can enter only the chosen.

Destruction of stereotypes

This room is intended only for clergy. In connection with the last statement in the people there are many legends. Uninformed people say that it is forbidden for women to go there. In fact, it is forbidden to appear in the sanctuary to men. This is because the place is reserved for ceremonies that the crowd should not see. There constantly stands a quiet and quivering atmosphere, which can not be disturbed by disorder and vanity. The altar is the space where the sacrament of service takes place and the divine power reigns.

It is allowed to enter the hall not only to the fathers, but also to their assistants. In women's monasteries , old nuns perform the function of servants, so they can also go to this part of the temple without sinning at the same time.

Of the laity, kings can enter the altar, because they are considered anointed by God. But this happens only when the monarch brings a gift. The procedure also has a clear order.

Variations of the term

Not only Eastern religion can be present in the homes of ordinary citizens. The Orthodox faith allows prayer not only in churches, but also in its rooms. The house altar is an image.

In the design should adhere to some basic rules. One of them - the icons should hang on the east wall. If this is not possible, then any other side will do. Owners are required to have images of the Savior and the Mother of God. It is also worthwhile to acquire the faces of saints, whose names are worn by the family. Remember the hierarchy of celestial inhabitants.

Traditionally, faces were placed on special benches. It is better to use shelves that are closed. Before the icons are sure to pray in the morning and evening.

Today the term has a wide application. The word is used not only in a religious context, but also in a political context. Thus, the "Altar of Victory" is associated with the victim of the Soviet Union in the war against fascism. But in whatever sense we use this word, it always has a high spiritual meaning.