Votivas

Votivas, or votive offerings, are objects or acts offered in fulfillment of a vow or as devotion to a deity, saint, or sacred figure. The word derives from the Latin votivus, meaning “of a vow.” In English usage, votiva often refers to votive candles, but it can denote any item given as a pledge or thanks.

The best-known form is the votive candle. In churches, chapels, and shrines, worshippers light a candle and place it in a designated area to accompany prayers for healing, guidance, or intercession, leaving the flame burning as a visible sign of intent. Ex-votos are another common form: small paintings, plaques, or metal objects donated to thank a saint for a miracle, frequently depicting the event.

Votive offerings can also include sculptures, jewelry, liturgical objects, or monetary gifts given in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude. While most commonly associated with Catholic practice, votive customs appear in other religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto, where offerings may take different shapes but retain the same underlying vow-and-gratitude function.

In contemporary contexts, votives remain part of religious life and are also encountered in secular settings, such as candlelight vigils or memorials. The practice interacts with contemporary issues including safety, environmental concerns, and the stewardship of sacred spaces, leading some institutions to regulate candle use or ex-voto display.