Sacredness

Sacred describes something that is dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity. It is considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion, and it often inspires feelings of awe or reverence among believers. Many cultures and religions have objects or places that are seen as sacred. These might include special items like a sacred artifact that people venerate and bless, or important locations known as sacred ground. Sacred things hold deep meaning and are treated with great care and honor by those who believe in them.

Etymology

The word sacred comes from an old Latin word called sacer. This word described things that were special, set apart, or made pure for the gods. It also connected to people who served the gods, known as sacerdotes. The Latin word itself has roots in an even older language called Proto-Indo-European.

Holy

"Holiness" and "Holy" are words that often describe something very special and important in many religions. In Christianity, "holy" is usually used for people or relationships, while "sacred" is used for objects, places, or events. For example, a kind and good person might be called holy, while a special book or a quiet place might be called sacred. Sometimes, something can be both holy and sacred, like the Holy Bible.

Both words mean that something is set apart for worship and deserves respect. "Holy" is a stronger word and means that something has a special nature that comes from a divine power. This special nature is shared with things, places, times, and people who serve that power.

Transitions

"Consecration" redirects here. For other uses, see Consecration (disambiguation).

The idea of making or linking things to the sacred is common in many religions. This can involve people, places, and objects that are respected, set apart for special purposes, or dedicated to something holy. Words like hallow, sanctify, and consecrate are used to describe this, and they are the opposite of desecration and deconsecration. Different groups use these words in their own special ways.

Sanctification and consecration come from old Latin words meaning to set something apart for a special purpose or to make it holy.

Christianity

Further information: Sanctification in Christianity

The word 'to hallow' is very old in English and is mostly only used in the Lord's Prayer. In Christianity, making something holy can mean a person becoming more like God, or it can mean setting apart a person, a building, or an object for God’s use. Some Christian groups also have a service called "deconsecration" to take away a sacred meaning before something is destroyed or sold for normal use.

Judaism

See also: Kiddush Hashem, The mitzvah of sanctifying the Kohen, Self-sacrifice in Jewish law, and Martyrdom in Judaism

The Book of Exodus tells how Aaronite priests and special objects were made holy through washing, dressing in special clothes, anointing with oil, and offering sacrifices. This made both the priests and their clothing holy. In rabbinic Judaism, making something holy means respecting God’s name through kind acts and even giving one’s life if needed, while doing wrong things dishonors God’s name.

Islam

In Islam, making something holy is called tazkiah. This can also include cleaning the heart, improving behavior, and being pure. Some groups, like Sufis, often pray to saints and believe God makes their inner self holy.

Buddhism

Buddha and bodhisattva images are made holy through special ceremonies that differ among Buddhist traditions. These ceremonies are called Buddhābhiseka.

Mormonism

See also: Law of consecration and United Order

Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ is the holy savior, and that people can choose to live fully for God. The Book of Mormon talks about how people can become holy by giving their hearts to God.

Hinduism

In most South Indian Hindu temples, a special ceremony called Kumbhabhishekam is held every 12 years. This ceremony cleans and refreshes the temple, and many believe it brings good luck to those who witness it.

Jainism

Panch Kalyanaka Pratishtha Mahotsava is a special Jain ceremony that makes one or more Jain holy figures important in a new temple or with new statues. This ceremony must be led by a religious leader.

In academia

Hierology

See also: Hierotopy

Hierology is the study of special writings or stories that people hold in high respect. This idea and name were created in 2002 by a Russian historian named Alexei Lidov.

History of religions

Main article: History of religions

When we look at how people see what is sacred, we find that it is more than just believing in gods. It is about feeling something very important and special. The sacred is often compared to everyday things, but they complete each other. Everyday things help show what is sacred.

Sociology

Main article: Sacred–profane dichotomy

A French thinker named Émile Durkheim said that what people call sacred is really about their community. It comes from shared ideas and actions. Other scholars agreed but thought sacredness comes from people's experiences together. Durkheim believed that the difference between sacred and everyday things is key to understanding religion. Sacred things stand out and are special. They can be good or not so good, just like everyday things.

In religion

Ancient religions

Main article: Sacrosanctity

In ancient Roman religion, the idea of sacrosanctity was very important for keeping the tribunes of the plebs safe from harm. Later, emperors took on this sacred role for protection. Romans also made temples and cities sacred through special rituals to keep them safe.

Indic religions

See also: Sacred groves of India, Sacred banyan trees of India, Sacred Vedic rivers, and Sacred Sapta Sindhu rivers

Religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism treat rivers, trees, forests, and mountains as sacred to protect nature.

Hinduism

Sacred rivers are very important in many religions that care for the environment. In Hinduism, rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna are sacred. Holy mountains such as Mount Kailash are also revered.

Buddhism

In Theravada Buddhism, people are described based on their level of spiritual purity. Buddha talked about four stages of spiritual growth.

Abrahamic religions

Christianity

See also: Glorification and Sanctification in Christianity

Different Christian groups have many ideas about what is sacred. They believe in holy sacraments, the holy church, holy scriptures, and the holy trinity. Some also focus on personal holiness and living a pure life.

Islam

See also: Miqat

In Islam, the word Al-Quddus means 'holy' or 'sacred'. Sacred places in Islam include the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and the Haram ash-Sharif in Jerusalem.

Judaism

Main article: Holiness in Judaism

See also: Q-D-Š, Tzadik, and Holy of Holies

In Judaism, something sacred is "set apart" or special. Holiness comes from a relationship with God and is shown in daily life through rituals and good actions. Special times like Shabbat and Jewish holidays are also considered holy.