votive

Votive, from the Latin votivus meaning "of a vow," is a term used to describe objects offered in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude to a deity, saint, or spirit. It functions as both an adjective and a noun, applied to the act of offering, the offering itself, or the practice surrounding such offerings. A votive offering is typically made as part of a religious pledge or request for help.

Common forms of votive offerings include votive candles or lamps lit in churches, temples, or shrines, often placed before statues or icons. Votive figurines, inscriptions, and small statues are also left at sacred sites. Votive tablets or ex-votos—inscribed or pictorial gifts that explain the vow and the desired or received divine intervention—are a well-documented form in various cultures.

Historically and archaeologically, votive offerings illuminate religious beliefs and ritual practices. They appear in ancient Greek and Roman sanctuaries, Mesopotamian temples, Buddhist and Hindu contexts, and medieval Christian churches. Roadside shrines and private altars also feature votive objects, sometimes inscribed with dates, names, or petitions, serving both as acts of devotion and as memorials.

Related terms include votary, a person who has taken a vow or is devoted to a deity, and ex voto, a Latin phrase meaning "from a vow," used to describe offerings presented in fulfillment of a pledge. While often associated with sacred settings, votive practices can appear across cultures and historical periods, reflecting the human habit of seeking divine assistance and expressing gratitude.