What Are Votive Purposes?

Votive offerings are objects that have been consecrated and dedicated as gifts to a deity (“Votive Offering”, 2023). Also known as votives, these offerings are often left at temples, shrines, churches, and other sacred sites as a form of religious devotion and to either fulfill a vow or request a favor from the divine. According to ancient Roman and Greek sources, the practice of votive offerings dates back to antiquity (“Votive Offering”).

Common examples of votive offerings across different cultures include coins, statues, figurines, jewelry, paintings, candles, flowers, food, and even animal sacrifices. The specific type of offering may vary according to the traditions of a region or religion, but the overall purpose remains spiritual in nature. Smaller votives like coins, figurines, or candles are often left at altars, statues or tombs of saints or other venerated individuals (“The Collector”, 2023).

The significance of votive offerings lies in their sacrificial value and the belief that a deity or divine being may grant prayers and blessings in exchange for the gift. By consecrating and dedicating an object to the sacred, followers give up something of material or monetary value as an act of religious devotion. Beyond their practical utility, votives also hold symbolic meaning and metaphorically represent the divine presence.

Forms of Votive Offerings

Votive offerings have taken many forms throughout history and across cultures. Some of the most common types of votive offerings include:

Statues, figurines, plaques – Small-scale statues and figurines made of materials like terracotta, bronze, wood, or stone were extremely common votive offerings in ancient Greece, Rome, and many other cultures. These usually depicted gods, mythological scenes, or the offerer themselves. Votive plaques with inscriptions were also offered at temples and shrines.

Jewelry, coins – Precious items like jewelry and coins were given as votive offerings. Jewelry could be in the shape of sacred symbols or include inscriptions asking for blessings. Coins were tossed into pools at healing sanctuaries or left at tombs and temples.

Written prayers, poems – Prayers, poems, and hymns written or inscribed onto plaques or tablets were used as votive offerings. These allowed worshippers to communicate their hopes, gratitude, or needs directly to the gods.

Flowers, food, incense – Offerings such as flowers, food, wine, oil, and incense were commonly left at altars, shrines, and tombs. Burning incense creates a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. Flowers and food connect the devotee to the natural world.

Votive Offerings in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, votive offerings were commonly left at temples and shrines dedicated to the various Greek gods and goddesses. These offerings took many forms, but terracotta figurines were among the most prevalent. These small clay statues depicting figures related to the temple’s deity would be left by worshippers seeking the god’s favor or giving thanks for blessings received.

For example, worshippers might leave terracotta figurines of body parts at a temple to Asklepios, the god of medicine, in hopes of being healed. Figurines of horses, oxen, and other animals were also popular at temples to certain gods. Other common clay offerings included plates, bowls, jars, and plaques.

In addition to terracotta figurines, the ancient Greeks would sometimes commission metalworkers to create bronze votive offerings in the form of statues, tripods, or cauldrons to present to the temples. Wealthier citizens may also dedicate stone votive reliefs depicting scenes related to the god, such as worshippers presenting a sacrifice.

These votive offerings served as both gifts to the gods and as reminders of the worshippers’ prayers and devotion. Leaving an offering was believed to please the deity and demonstrate the individual’s piety and gratitude.

Votive Offerings in Ancient Rome

The tradition of votive offerings in Ancient Rome was heavily influenced by the practices of the Greeks and Etruscans. As in Greece, sites for offerings included altars, temples and shrines dedicated to specific deities. According to Wikipedia, the most common offerings were simple terracotta votive plaques or tablets representing what was offered. The subjects range from animals to body parts, to food, to abstract symbols.

A wide variety of materials were used for votive offerings, including bronze, terracotta, and marble. Tiny votive objects made of cheap materials were often produced in large numbers, while larger votive objects made of precious materials were rarer and associated with elites. Anatomical votives representing limbs, organs, or other body parts were common, given as offerings either before or after healing associated with the part. Such anatomical votives are thought to represent a continuation of Etruscan traditions.

Votive deposits were routinely made in connection with temples and shrines. According to Museum Crush, votive offerings in Roman tradition expressed gratitude towards the gods, marking a request fulfilled rather than anticipating divine aid.

Votive Offerings in Christianity

Votive offerings have been an integral part of Christian worship for centuries. One of the most common forms of votive offerings in Christianity is offerings made to saints or other venerated religious figures (Votive offering – Wikipedia). These offerings are made as part of a prayer asking for the intercession of the saint. Common offerings include candles, flowers, votive paintings, statues, and monetary donations.

Candles are one of the most ubiquitous votive offerings in Christianity. Lighting a candle is symbolic of keeping vigil or praying in the presence of God. Candles are often lit before images, relics or statues of a saint, symbolizing the offering of light and prayer to that holy figure (What is a votive offering?). The lighting of votive candles is especially common in Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Another traditional site for votive offerings in Christianity are shrines dedicated to saints or other venerated figures. Many shrines contain repositories where pilgrims can leave offerings, often including wax votives, flowers, coins, or plaques. These shrines can range from large pilgrimage sites like the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to small roadside chapels. Leaving an offering is often the culmination of a pilgrimage, representing the pilgrim’s prayer and devotion.

Votive Offerings in Buddhism

In Buddhism, votive offerings are made to Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other enlightened beings as a sign of respect, gratitude, and devotion. Common offerings include incense, flowers, food, and drink, which are respectfully placed before images or relics of Buddha and bodhisattvas at temples and shrines. For example, devotees often burn incense sticks or light candles before a Buddha statue. They also present offerings of fresh fruit, sweets, or rice to show their reverence.

These physical objects are seen as representations of the Buddha’s virtues and are offered up along with prayers and chants. Mantras like the ever-popular Om Mani Padme Hum and recitations of sutras are another form of offering in Buddhism. Through these spiritual offerings, Buddhists cultivate merits, purify karma, and progress along the path towards enlightenment. While the physical offerings are ephemeral, the mantras and sutras are believed to multiply the meritorious energy for the benefit of all beings.

In Tibetan Buddhism specifically, small sculptural plaques known as tsatsa are a common votive offering, made by pressing clay into plaster molds. Tsatsa often depict Buddhas, bodhisattvas, saints, and protective deities. They serve as symbolic gifts expressing devotion and carrying prayers to the enlightened beings.[1]

Votive Offerings in Hinduism

Hindus make votive offerings known as prasad as part of puja, the daily worship ritual. These offerings are made to Hindu deities as a sign of devotion and respect.

Common votive offerings in Hindu puja include:

• Flowers like marigolds or roses
• Rice
• Fruits like bananas, apples or oranges
• Sweets like laddu or jalebi
• Incense sticks
• Camphor flames
• Water

These items are presented before the murti (statue representation of a deity) during the puja ceremony. Other offerings like milk, honey, curd, ghee, coconut water, and panchamrit are poured over the murti as a form of ritual bathing. Food offerings of vegetarian dishes are also made.

In addition to material offerings, Hindus recite mantras and prayers as verbal offerings to the gods and goddesses. Chanting the many names of deities is an integral part of Hindu votive rituals.

After the puja is complete, the food and flower offerings are considered blessed by the divine. Worshippers consume the consecrated food as prasad, or the lord’s gracious gift.

Hindus believe ritual offerings bring them closer to the divine and show devotion. They seek blessings, forgiveness, protection and fulfillment of wishes from the gods through heartfelt daily puja.[1]

Votive Offerings Today

The tradition of votive offerings continues today at many religious sites and shrines around the world. At Catholic pilgrimage destinations like Lourdes in France, it’s common to see walls covered with crutches, braces, and other medical devices left behind by pilgrims who believed they were cured of their afflictions by praying at the site [1]. In Thailand, the Golden Mount Temple in Bangkok has an area filled with life-like silicone body parts left by supplicants asking for cures [2].

In personal religious practice, many families maintain home shrines or altars where they make offerings connected to their faith. For Hindus, these shrines often include statues, flowers, food, and other meaningful objects given as votives. In Mexican culture, home altars called ofrendas are important centers for prayer and remembrance of deceased loved ones.

As life becomes more digital, virtual votive offerings are also gaining popularity. Catholic prayer sites allow users to submit online prayer requests and “light” electronic candles. Apps like Offerto provide a platform for making digital vows and offerings to gods at temples worldwide. While the physical form changes, the sincere intention behind votive offerings remains constant through the ages.

Purpose and Meaning

Votive offerings have served a number of spiritual and religious purposes across different faiths and cultures. Some of their key purposes and meanings include:

Expressing Gratitude, Devotion, and Prayer – Votive offerings are often given to convey gratitude towards deities for blessings received, as acts of devotion, or as offerings of prayer and supplication. They represent a tangible way for devotees to communicate their thanks and petition for divine favor (Source).

Seeking Blessings, Favors, and Forgiveness – Votive offerings are made to seek blessings for undertakings like childbirth, marriage, harvests, journeys, and success in new endeavors. They also request divine favors and material prosperity. Additionally, they can ask for forgiveness and absolution of sins (Source).

Fulfilling Vows and Oaths – The offering serves as fulfillment of a vow, oath, or promise made to a deity in return for their intercession. People pledge to make offerings in exchange for hoped-for divine aid and intervention. The completed offering represents the payment of this spiritual bargain or debt (Source).

Conclusion

Votive offerings have been an important cultural and religious practice across many faiths and civilizations throughout history. As we’ve explored, votive offerings take on various physical forms, from statues and figurines, to weapons and jewelry, to written prayers and poems. But they serve a common purpose – to forge a connection between the human and divine worlds. By offering objects of value to the gods, people aim to show appreciation, make requests, or fulfill vows. The act of dedication is meaningful, regardless of the monetary worth of the offering itself.

This tradition endures today in many religions. Though the nature of votive offerings may have evolved over time, the human urge to connect with the transcendent remains constant. By taking time to reflect on this practice, we can gain insight into the beliefs and values that shape our societies. Votive offerings reveal the understanding in many faiths that while gods may be mighty, they are not completely distant from human affairs. With humble offerings and right intent, individuals can bridge the human and divine worlds.