Altar

RD alter

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Tel Be'er Sheva Altar 2007041

3217 - Athens - Sto… of Attalus Museum - Kylix - Photo by Giovanni Dall'Orto, Nov 9 2009

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Berlin - Pergamonmuseum - Altar 02

Opferstein Maria Taferl

Altar is a structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices and gifts are made for religious purposes. Altars are found at shrines, temples, churches, and other places of worship. They are used in Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and many other religions. The altar plays a central role in rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations, serving as a point of contact between the divine and the earthly.

History

The history of altars can be traced back to the earliest civilizations and religious practices. Ancient altars were often constructed from stone or earth and were used for animal sacrifices, offerings of food, or other goods to deities or spirits. In the Bible, the Book of Genesis describes the first altar built by Noah after the flood. Throughout antiquity, altars were central to the religious life of communities, serving not only as places for sacrifice but also for prayer and communion with the divine.

Design and Symbolism

The design of an altar can vary significantly depending on the religious tradition it serves. In Christianity, altars are often elaborate structures, located at the front of a church, and used for the celebration of the Eucharist. They may be adorned with candles, crosses, and cloth coverings, each element rich in symbolic meaning. In contrast, a Hindu altar, or puja mandir, is typically a smaller shrine within the home where daily worship takes place, featuring statues or images of deities, flowers, and incense.

In many cultures, the altar is considered a sacred space, symbolizing the presence of the divine. It is often associated with concepts of sacrifice, worship, and communion, reflecting the human desire to connect with a higher power.

Types of Altars

There are various types of altars, each serving different functions within religious practices:

• Sacrificial Altars: Used primarily in ancient religions for animal sacrifices to appease gods or spirits.
• Communion Altars: Found in Christian churches, these altars are used for the celebration of the Eucharist, representing the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
• Household Altars: Common in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions, these are small shrines within the home where daily worship is conducted.
• Memorial Altars: Used to honor and remember the dead, often found in homes or cemeteries, and not necessarily associated with a specific religion.

Contemporary Use

Today, altars continue to play a vital role in many religious practices. In addition to traditional religious ceremonies, altars are used in modern spiritual practices, such as neopaganism and New Age spirituality, often incorporating elements from various traditions to create personalized spaces for meditation, prayer, and ritual.

Conclusion

The altar remains a powerful symbol of faith and devotion across cultures and religions. It embodies the human desire for connection with the divine, serving as a focal point for worship, sacrifice, and reflection. Despite the diversity in form and function, the altar's role as a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual continues to be a central element of religious practice around the world.