In ancient times, the altar was considered a place of sacrifice, where shamans and magicians 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 days of recent history, he acquired another meaning. Thus, the altar is a word that has many meanings, which we will talk about later.
Slavic altars
Each religion is guided by its own customs. Denominations are distinguished by their perception of the world, they have a different understanding of a higher power, they live according to principles and rules of morality peculiar only to them.
Researchers have come up with one interesting pattern. Both beliefs that have already disappeared from the face of the earth, and those that still have supporters, have similar details. One of the things that unites the most diverse currents is the altar. This word has Latin roots and translates 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 placed statues of the gods they worshiped. For example, Emperor Octavian poured the golden figure of the goddess Victoria in honor of the victory. The sculpture was called the "Altar of Victory".
He has his own history among the Gentiles. These people made bonfires and made sacrifices on 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 held, the closer they are to the gods.
The Slavs also had a holy place - a multi-ton boulder on top of a hill. At first he served as an altar. Subsequently, his appointment changed. The emblems of faith and figures with the image of God began to be raised.
A kind of altar
There are altars in every corner of the world. So, for example, Buddhists have their own meaning of the word "altar". In the East, most often this is a kind of home corner, where a group of objects connected by meaning are located. The main objects that are present there are things representing the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. The first is the Enlightenment statue, which is located in the middle. The second is a special text that symbolizes his words. He lies to the left of the figure. The third is the stupa that stands on the right side. All of these items are allowed to be replaced with photographs.
The second group of objects is responsible for gifts. The range of this class is wide. Usually use seven bowls with gifts, which should be arranged strictly in order. To do this, use the same vessels.
As in other cultures, Buddhists place the altar in the highest place in the house and endlessly respect its mystery and magic.
Particle of the temple
Today it has become fashionable to follow the trends of the time. More and more people are equipping unusual corners in their homes. There are some main tips for those who want but don’t know how to make an altar in their room. The first thing to remember about the eastern altar is that the main subject in it is a statue of Buddha. The figure gains strength only after the monks read a special prayer above it.
When the ritual of offering gifts will take place, it should be remembered that a person does this procedure exclusively for his own good, since the Enlightened One does not need material things. With this rite, karma is purified, and consciousness becomes clearer. In this case, you need to control your thoughts. A person must leave negativity, resentment and anger.
In the corner through meditation they develop their best side. Buddhism is a spiritual practice that makes people better.
From paganism to Orthodoxy
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 subsequently transformed into an iconostasis with royal and side gates.
Secrets of the hall
Churches have always been modeled. The 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 with the iconostasis from the elevation was first introduced by Christians. They prayed in the catacombs, where they divided the dungeons into two parts. In the front was a tomb with the relics of a martyr, over whom a liturgy was held. Today, this role is performed by the throne, which stands in the center.
The gift guardian, the donor, Miro, the Gospel, the
altar cross are in the closed room of the temple, this is the altar. The photo shows the atmosphere of the hall, which can be accessed only by the elite.
Breaking stereotypes
This room is intended for clergy only. In connection with the latest statement, many legends circulate among the people. Ignorant people say that women are not allowed to go there. In fact, men are also forbidden to appear in the sanctuary. This is because the place is reserved specifically for ceremonies that the crowd should not see. There is always a quiet and reverent atmosphere that cannot be disturbed by disorder and bustle. The altar is the space where the sacrament of service takes place and divine power reigns.
It is allowed to enter the hall not only to the priests, but also to their assistants. In convents, the function of the minions is performed by the old nuns, so they can also go into this part of the temple without sinning.
Of the laity, kings can enter the altar, since they are considered the
anointed of God. But such an event occurs only when the monarch brings a gift. The procedure also has a clear order.
Term variation
Not only the Eastern religion can be present in the homes of ordinary citizens. Orthodox faith allows prayers to be carried out not only in churches, but also in their rooms. Home altar is an image.
When applying, you 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 worth acquiring the faces of the saints whose names the family bears. Remember the hierarchy of heavenly inhabitants.
Traditionally, faces were put on special benches. Better use shelves that close. Before the icons, they always pray in the morning and evening.
Today, the term has widespread use. The word is used not only in a religious context, but also in a political one. Thus, the “Altar of Victory” is associated with the victim of the Soviet Union in the war against fascism. But no matter what meaning we use this word, it always has a high spiritual meaning.