Holy water facts for kids
Holy water is water that has been specially blessed by a religious leader. People use it for different reasons in many religions. It is often used for cleaning before a baptism or for spiritual cleaning. This practice is common in religions like Christianity and Sikhism.
Many Christians, including Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Christians, use holy water as a special item called a sacramental. They believe it helps protect them from evil.
Contents
What is Holy Water?
Holy water is simply water that has been made sacred through a blessing. This blessing is usually done by a priest, minister, or another religious figure. The idea behind it is to give the water a special spiritual meaning or power.
How is it Used?
People use holy water in various ways. In some churches, you might see a small bowl of holy water near the entrance. People dip their fingers in it and make the sign of the cross. It is also used in ceremonies like baptisms, where new members are welcomed into the faith. Some people even sprinkle it on their homes or belongings for protection.
Holy Water Around the World
Many different religions use water in special ways, showing its importance in their beliefs.
In Christianity
In Christianity, holy water is a very old tradition. It is used for blessings, protection, and during important ceremonies.
- Baptism: Water is central to baptism, a ceremony where people become part of the Christian community.
- Blessings: Priests often bless people, objects, or places with holy water.
- Protection: Many Christians believe holy water can protect them from bad influences or evil.
In Hinduism
In Hinduism, water is seen as a symbol of God and purity. Bathing in holy water is a very important part of their faith.
- River Ganges: The Ganges River in India is considered the holiest river for Hindus. Many people travel there to bathe in its waters, believing it cleanses their sins.
- Spiritual Meaning: Water is a key part of many Hindu prayers and rituals, representing life and spiritual cleansing.
In Islam
Some branches of Islam also have special waters.
- Zamzam Water: For Sunni Muslims, the Zamzam water is very sacred. It comes from a spring near the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims often drink it and take it home.
- Healing Water: In some Shia Islam groups, people drink "healing water" (called āb-i shifā). They believe it has special healing powers.
In Sikhism
Sikhs use a special holy water called amrita (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ).
- Amrit Sanskar: This holy water is used in their baptism-like ceremony, known as Amrit Sanskar. This ceremony is how a Sikh commits to their faith.
Images for kids
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A Thai student pouring the holy water on his two hands at Erawan shrine, Bangkok
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Saint Teresa of Avila, by Rubens, 1615
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Great Blessing of Waters by Boris Kustodiev, 1921
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Procession for the Lesser Blessing of Waters
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An 1880 photograph of the Golden Temple, sacred pool and the nearby buildings
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A Hindu public prayer in the River Ganges
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Mouth-piece of the Zam Zam well in Masjid al-Haram
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Khak-e Shifa, made from the soil of Husayn ibn Ali's grave
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Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon, France
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Church of Santa Maria a Cintoia [it], Florence, Italy
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Church of Saints Saint Cajetan and Maximillian, Salzburg, Austria
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See also
In Spanish: Agua bendita para niños
