In ancient times sacrificial altar is the place where shamans and magicians paid tribute to the gods, asking them to be merciful and help mere mortals in their daily activities.Later, the term has migrated from paganism to Christianity.And in the days of the recent history it has acquired another meaning.Thus, the altar - a word that has many meanings, which continue to talk.
Slavic altars
Every religion is guided by their customs.Denominations differ in their perception of the world, they would otherwise realize a higher power, peculiar only to live by their principles and rules of morality.
researchers brought an interesting pattern.As the beliefs that have already disappeared from the face of the earth, and those that still have supporters inherent similar items.One of the things that unites a variety of flow - the altar.This word has Latin roots and means "high altar".Its form and the application varies depending on the religion.
term was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans.On a hill placed statues of the gods they worshiped.For example, the emperor Octavian poured the golden figure of the goddess Victoria in honor of the victory.The sculpture was named "Altar of Victory".
its history it has and to the Gentiles.These people bonfires and sacrificed on the tops of hills.For the ritual they used the large flat stones.People believed that the higher the mountain on which the ritual is performed, the closer they are to the gods.
holy place was the Slavs - multi-ton boulder at the top of the hill.He first served as the altar.Subsequently, its purpose changed.On the elevation began to put symbols of faith, figurines depicting the god.
Variety altar
altars in every corner of the world.For example, the Buddhist its meaning "chancel".In the East, most often it is a kind of home a corner where there is a group of objects related to each other meaning.The main items that are present there, - things of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha.The first is a statue of the Enlightenment, which is located in the middle.The second - a special text, which symbolizes his words.It lies to the left of the figure.Third - stupa that stands to the right.All these items are allowed to be replaced by pictures.
second group of objects responsible for the gifts.The range of this class is wide.Typically, a seven bowls with the gifts that need to be located strictly in order.For this use the same vessels.
As in other cultures, Buddhist altar put on the highest place in the house and its infinite respect and mystery of magic.
particle temple
Today it has become fashionable to follow the spirit of the times.More and more people to equip in their own homes unusual corners.There are a few key tips for those who want to, but do not know how to make an altar in her room.The first thing to remember about the eastern altar - that's what the main subject there is a statue of Buddha.Silas figure gets only once over her read a special prayer the monks.
When will be the ritual presentation to the gifts, it should be remembered that this procedure makes people solely for their own benefit, as enlightenment material things no need.With this rite of karma is cleared, and the mind becomes clearer.Thus it is necessary to control your thoughts.Man must leave negative, resentment and anger.
in corner through meditation develop their best.Buddhism - 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.So, a whole system architecture.That is why our ancestors have been easier to take the temples, which were also altars, decorated with various images of the Christian God.The role of the boulder in the Orthodox Church played a raised part, which put religious objects and books.Before the altar was first a low partition, which later was transformed into the iconostasis with the royal and the side gate.
Mystery Hall
Church has always been built on the model.The Orthodox believe that the temple symbolizes the earth, and its eastern part is perceived as heaven, paradise.Tradition iconostasis to separate the bulk of the construction of the elevation pioneered Christians.They prayed in the catacombs, where severed dungeon into two parts.In front was a tomb with the relics of the martyr, on which conducted the liturgy.Today, this role is performed by the throne that stands in the middle.
tabernacle, monstrance, Miro, gospel, altar cross are in a locked room of the temple, this altar.Photo shows the situation room, in which you can enter only your favorites.
destruction of stereotypes
This room is only for priests.In connection with the last statement in people There are many legends.Ignorant people say that women are not allowed to go there.In fact, the sanctuary is forbidden to appear in men.This is due to the fact that the place is given specifically for the ceremonies that should not see the crowd.There is constantly a quiet and reverent atmosphere that you can not break the clutter and bustle.The altar - a space where there is the mystery of life and divine power reigns.
allowed to enter the room, not only the priest, and their assistants.In convents function servants perform old nun, so they can also go into this part of the temple, not sinning in this case.
of the laity may enter the sanctuary kings because they are anointed of God.But such an event occurs only when the monarch brings a gift.The procedure also has a clear procedure.
Variation term
Not only Eastern religion can be present in the homes of ordinary citizens.The Orthodox faith allows for prayer, not only in churches but also in their rooms.Home altar - this image.
When making should follow some basic rules.One of them - the icons should be hung on the east wall.If this is not possible, it fits any other party.The owners are required to have images of the Saviour and the Mother of God.It is also worth to buy images of saints whose names is the family.Remember the hierarchy of heavenly creatures.
Traditionally faces put on a special bench.Better to use the shelves that are closed.Before icons necessarily pray in the morning and evening.
Today, the term is widely used.The word is used not only in a religious context, but also politically.Thus, the "Altar of Victory" associated with the victims of the Soviet Union in the war against fascism.But whatever meaning we may use that word, it always has a high spiritual meaning.
