Schreine

Schreine are places, sites, or objects regarded as sacred where the divine presence, a saint, relic, or sacred event is believed to reside or be commemorated. They function as focal points for worship, prayer, offerings, and pilgrimages. In many traditions, a shrine may house a statue, relic, image, or container called a reliquary.

Schreine can be architectural, such as chapels, altars, or dedicated rooms; or portable, such as reliquaries or home shrines. They range from simple domestic setups to grand ecclesiastical structures. Religious practices often include lighting candles, offering flowers or food, recitation of prayers, and on-site rites performed at the shrine.

In Christianity, shrines are often dedicated to saints or events and serve as centers for pilgrimage. In Buddhism, shrines may enshrine images or relics; in Shinto, shrines (jinja) are dedicated to kami. In secular contexts, some shrines commemorate historical figures or events and are preserved as cultural monuments.

Shrines have played a central role in religious life across regions, shaping art, architecture, and ritual. Today, they appear in churches, museums housing reliquaries, and private homes. The study and preservation of shrines contribute to understanding religious practice, material culture, and heritage.