The word sacred has a variety of different meaning to different people depending on what context “sacred” is used. So for definition purposes according to the Oxford English Dictionary (2013) sacred is “Regarded with a great respect and reverence by a particular religion, group or individual” this is just one of the example of the definition as it hold many more but this one incorporates the meaning of a sacred place or space. Sacred Places are found in different countries and cultures, past and present. Such places are marked or embellished by architectural structures and art, therefor having the ability to appeal to a multitude of different people, but still being sacred to each individual person or group in its own specific way. The question is how much of a places sacredness or character is directly linked to the human activity that the place attracts Sacred spaces may take many forms from natural landscape features such as mountains and springs to human constructions including stone circles and burial mounds, temples, and cathedrals. A sacred place may be an altar or shrine within the home. Whilst some, such as churches may be almost universally acknowledged as sacred, others such as prehistoric structures or holy wells may only be acknowledged by a minority, or even an individual. Each of these sites are just as sacred to the individual. What actually makes something sacred is a contentious issue. For historian of religion, Mircea Eliade who offers a religious explanation, there is an absolute reality, which transcends the mundane world leading to some places being intrinsically sacred. “the sacred, which transcends this world but manifests itself in this world, thereby sanctifying it and making it real” (Elaide. M, AA100 T... ... middle of paper ... ...son but for whatever reason that individual site still holds something of a significance to the individuals that are attracted to it. There are obviously places like Glastonbury that attract human activity on a high level for a multitude of reasons, and although without the human activity the site would still be considered sacred, the human activity it attracts does contribute the its character. The diversity of the individuals and groups, bring individuals from all over the world visiting it out of curiosity and life experience with the hope that it may offer them something more. With Blackpool as old traditions are no longer specifically practised there it has become a place where individuals still make annual trips there in order to swim in the sea maybe not for the same reasons, but it it could still be s form of celebration and expression to the individuals.
Suter, Keith. “Roadside Memorials: Sacred Places in a Secular Era.” Contemporary Review 292.1692 (Spring 2010): 51+. Psychology Collection. EBSCO: Academic Onefile. Web. 24 Mar. 2011.
However, that meaning is not always known. It is believed that Stonehenge was most likely made to bring people of a community together as well as to mark a place where individuals could gather to perform rituals, although many theories about why it was built and the purpose it serves exist. For example, recent studies show that the monument may mark the graveyard of a ruling dynasty. There is evidence of over 200 cremated human remains that have been buried at the site within a period of 500 years. Some evidence suggests the site may have been a piece in a larger series of structures used for funerary rituals. The only thing that is knows for sure “is that Stonehenge held meaning for the Neolithic community that built it”
In Islam, their communities are called ummah. Their mosque is in the center, and cities are constructed around it. This symbolizes a life built around faith. In the Nation of Islam, their temple is also their sense of community. Though their cities are not physically around the temple, their social and spiritual lives are centered there. With school, religious services, banquets, etc. the whole community of believers sees the temple as a common ground and gathering place.
... burial places. Not only did it provide these individuals with an eternal essence, it was a demonstration of their wealth and taste. These burial practices are cultural dedications that engage with society. Though are not all the same, they provide the same type message. This message is in regard to the heavy presence of power at a certain time. The society of elites engages in the world, competes with each other and in this generates a sense of control. Creating tombs and spaces for themselves ensures them that their mark on the world lasts forever even when their body doesn’t. It is religious in that it provides space for someone who has died and ascended yet it is symbolic of the spirit where the individual can back to the high ether and be where the gods live.
One of the most sacred places in America is the Arlington National Cemetery. Each year heroes are laid to rest here. Families from across the nation visit Arlington throughout the year to pay respect to their love ones. Many American hero families who visit the Arlington Cemetery may have been mourning at the wrong grave.
The creator of a monument needs to consider the location of it. The monument should be in a location that fits what it is honoring, or commemorating. The Holocaust museum, for example, is located in the National Mall Park in Washington, D.C.. Quite a few people protested to why a museum dedicated to the holocaust should be placed in the United States, "who did little to stop the Holocaust from
Cemeteries represent numerous lives and memories commemorating their deaths in scenes of cultural and social
temples, but people do not visit them like Christians go to church. It is a
...eation” of the soul, in which the soul ascends to the realm of the divine through seven gates (Meyer, p200). This experience exemplifies a sacred “path of transformation” where the soul is to experience an ideal state, to give a source of life and meaning (Ludwig, p16). Overall, the importance of the experience of the sacred is evident in many different religious traditions and is integrated in main, everyday life activities suggesting that religion serves to fulfill this desire.
...itself. It is known that sites sacred like this one, Ground Zero, have the power to affect behavior, belief and worldview. Perhaps this is why Ground Zero will always remain sacred.
Hello and welcome to the new Hindu Temple. I will be your tour guide today. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in today’s world practiced by most Indians. Hinduism was composed of many different beliefs and traditions gathered from tribal and ethnic groups. The birth of Hinduism can be dated back to the early writings of the sacred texts from the book of the Vedas composed between 1500 and 900 BCE. Santa Dharma is a phrase that is used quite often to describe the Hindu religion. That phrase translates to “Eternal Sacred Duty”.
We live in a world full of different religions and all of them have, for the most part, a lot of similarities between them. Some of said similarities include beliefs or practices, art, statuary and architecture or buildings such as temples or churches. They serve as reminders of teachings or beliefs and also a place to gather and worship. The architecture or structures are so revered by the people who build them that they themselves become intricate works of art. Another form in use is statues. Most religions use some form of statuary as shrines to visit or pray to, also as a representation of the image portrayed by their chosen religion. A religion with a strong representation of this practice is Buddhism. Today, Buddhism is recognized as one of the world’s major religions.
Can you define religion and spirituality? Not many people know what is religion and spirituality or are not able to define it. Whether we know it or not but, in some ways everyone performs or believes something that would put them in a category of being religious. So, let’s look at the second question. Where would you place yourself into these four categories: religious and spiritual, religious but not spiritual, not religious but spiritual, or neither religious nor spiritual? It is hard to decide where you would place yourself from these four choices. I am going to provide some basic information about religion and spirituality, which might help you to categorize yourself into one of these. However, in this paper, I am going to first explain
The history, significant religious places, and the genealogy of religion are some of the evidences that can substantiate the ownership of Jews in the holy city of Jerusalem over the Christians and Muslims.