Reliquien
Reliquien, or relics, are objects or bodily remains associated with saints that are venerated by believers. In Christianity they are usually housed in reliquaries—ornate containers that display and protect the sacred items. Relics may be physical remains, possessions of a saint, or objects that touched one in life. The practice is especially prominent in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Relics shaped medieval worship and pilgrimage. Churches collected relics to attract pilgrims, justify church authority, and
Catholic tradition classifies relics as first-class (bodily remains or a portion), second-class (items belonging to the
Relics are housed in a range of reliquaries, from simple boxes to elaborate gold-and-enamel shrines. The containers
Today relics remain in some Catholic and Orthodox churches and in museums as historical artifacts. Attitudes