In hoary antiquity, the altar was considered a place of sacrifice, where shamans and magicians paid tribute to the gods, asked them to be merciful and help mere mortals in their daily affairs. Later, the term migrated from paganism to Christianity. And in the times of modern history, it acquired another meaning. Thus, the altar is a word that has many meanings, which we will talk about later.
Slavic altars
Each religion has its own customs. Confessions differ in their perception of the world, they understand the higher power differently, they live according to the principles and rules of morality peculiar only to them.
Researchers have deduced 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 is translated as "high altar". Its appearance and use varies by religion.
The term was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. On the dais they placed statues of the gods they worshipped. For example, Emperor Octavian cast the golden figure of the goddess Victoria intohonor of victory. The sculpture was named "Altar of Victory".
He has his own history among the pagans. These people kindled fires 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 ceremony 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 it served as an altar. Subsequently, his appointment changed. Symbols of faith, figurines with the image of God began to be placed on the dais.
A type of altar
Altars are found in every corner of the world. So, for example, Buddhists have their own meaning of the word " altar". In the East, most often it is a kind of home corner, where a group of objects connected by meaning is located. The main objects that are present there are things representing 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 figurine. The third is the stupa, which stands on the right side. All these items are allowed to be replaced by photographs.
The second group of objects is responsible for gifts. The spectrum of this class is wide. Usually seven bowls with gifts are used, which must be arranged in strict order. To do this, use the same vessels.
As in other cultures, Buddhists place the altar on the highest place in the house and have infinite respect for its mystery and magic.
Temple Piece
Today it has become fashionablefollow the trends of the times. More and more people are arranging unusual corners in their homes. There are some top tips for those who want to 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 object in it is a statue of the Buddha. The figure gains strength only after the monks read a special prayer over it.
When the ritual of offering gifts takes place, it should be remembered that a person does this procedure solely for his own benefit, since the Enlightened One does not need material things. With the help of this rite, karma is cleared, and consciousness becomes clearer. At the same time, you need to control your thoughts. A person must leave negativity, resentment and anger.
In the corner through meditation 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 items and lost the function of the altar. Thus, a whole architectural system was formed. That is why it was easier for our ancestors to perceive the temples, which also had altars, decorated with various images of the Christian God. The role of a boulder in Orthodoxy was played by the elevated part of the church, where religious objects and books were placed. In front of the altar, at first there was a low partition, which later transformed into an iconostasis with royal and side gates.
Secrets of the Hall
Churches have always been modeled. Orthodoxthey 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 with an iconostasis was the first to be 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 the martyr, over whom the liturgy was held. Today, this role is played by the throne, which stands in the center.
The tabernacle, the monstrance, Myrrh, the Gospel, the altar cross are in a closed room of the temple, this is the altar. The photo shows the interior of the hall, which can only be entered by a select few.
Breaking stereotypes
This room is for clergy only. In connection with the last statement, there are many legends among the people. Ignorant people claim that women are not allowed to go there. In fact, men are also forbidden to enter the sanctuary. This is due to the fact that 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 fuss. The altar is the space where the sacrament of the service takes place and the divine power reigns.
It is allowed to enter the hall not only to the priests, but also to their assistants. In nunneries, the function of servants is performed by old nuns, so they can also enter this part of the temple without sinning.
From the laity, kings can enter the altar, since they are considered the anointed of God. But such an event occurs only whenwhen the monarch brings a gift. The procedure also has a clear order.
Variation of the term
Not only Eastern religion can be present in the homes of ordinary citizens. Orthodox faith allows prayers not only in churches, but also in their rooms. The home altar is the icon.
When applying, you should follow some basic rules. One of them - the icons should hang on the eastern wall. If this is not possible, then any other side will do. The owners are required to have images of the Savior and the Mother of God. It is also worth acquiring the faces of saints whose names the family bears. Remember the hierarchy of heavenly inhabitants.
Traditionally, faces were placed on special benches. It is better to use shelves that close. They always pray in front of the icons in the morning and in the evening.
The term is widely used today. 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 sacrifice 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.
