In today’s web-connected world, we can buy everything from pets to giant machines online with a click of a button. But did you know that you can also buy religious items online? Yes, many websites offer exciting deals on things like relics and other holy objects. Here are the top reasons why you should stop going to stores and buy all religious goods online.
Variety of choices
Whichever store you go to, even though huge, there are limited options you can pick from. There may be five to ten varieties of candles, a couple of different prayer bracelets, and few statues, crosses, and other figurines. But when you buy religious items online, the choices are infinite. You can pick from hundreds of brands and thousands of products from the same place. This is a definite advantage.
Ease of comparison
How many stores will you physically walk in to compare product prices? Three or four? If you are a very conscious shopper, you may walk into a few more stores. But when you order online, you can compare the prices from all top websites and online stores in a matter of minutes. This way, you can always be sure to pick products that are the cheapest.
Ease of delivery
In case you end up buying fragile items or many religious products at once through the online medium, you don’t have to worry about bringing them home safely. The online website will take care of it. Some online stores go as far as to offer insurance on these products. If they’re delivered in a damaged condition, you can get an immediate refund.
International products
In case you belong to a particular religion that’s not native to the United States, picking up religious products of your belief may be difficult. Very few stores may stock these items, and they may be far away too. With online shopping, you can order from international vendors. They will deliver products of your choice to your doorstep.
Discounts and deals
Since online stores have lesser overheads, they can offer products at even lower prices for you. These stores and websites constantly have deals and discounts to help you save money.
Quick problem resolution
As online stores depend solely on their customers’ reviews, they take a lot of care to ensure customers are treated right. All good stores that sell religious items online ensure they have a customer support team you can reach out to.
These were the top reasons you should start buying religious items online. Give these virtual stores a try, and you’ll save your money, time, and effort.
Buddhist rituals and activities involve the use of various items, each with a special meaning. These objects are sacred and usually engraved with designs and carvings. Let us look at some of the best religious items of Buddhism and their significance.
Vajra
This highly religious item is used alongside prayer bells in most Buddhist prayers and rituals. The Vajra is also known as a “thunderbolt” and symbolizes strong spiritual power. A Vajra is made of sacred elements like gold and silver, and other materials like fragrant wood, iron, and copper. Vajras can have three, five, or nine spokes. This ornately designed religious item is held in the right hand, while the bell is kept in the left hand.
Prayer bells
It is one of the best religious items of Buddhism and can be used in every Buddhist ritual. Used most often with a Vajra, the two together represent the male and female aspects. The bell is normally made of copper, its mouth in the shape of a bell, and the handle made similar to half Vajra. Many designs are engraved on its surface. Prayer bells are also used as a musical instrument during Buddhist rituals.
Buddhist right-turning conch shell
This beautifully crafted item is made in the form of a snail shell, with Buddhist designs adorning its surface. It is also among the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. The conch shell is used in Buddhist rituals to bring peace and spread the Buddha’s teachings to the people by awakening them from their ignorance. It is generally painted in white or other light colors.
Tibetan drum
It is a two-headed drum built in different ways. Some types of Tibetan drums include the skull drum, the curved-hammer drum, and the bronze drum among others. The drum is played during festivals and Buddhist ceremonies.
Prayer beads
One of the best religious items in Buddhism, a chain of prayer beads is commonly used while meditating. A prayer bead normally consists of 108 beads on a string, with one guru bead. These prayer beads are made of different materials, from stones to wood.
Ghau box
It is a small-size prayer box or amulet, usually made of metals like gold, silver, or copper. It is engraved with various designs and sometimes inlaid with gemstones. A statue or scripture of the Buddha is placed inside the box and it is used to ward off evil spirits and keep your loved ones safe.
Several items are used at a Church during a Catholic mass. These items are sanctified, and those that are used for the Holy Body and the Holy Blood of God are made of gold or gold-plated silver. To understand Catholicism, you need to know about the components used during prayers. Some of the most popular and best religious items used are discussed herein:
Books
Four books are used in general, which include the Books of Gospel, Lectionary, Hymnal or Missalette, and Sacramentary. Each book serves a different purpose and is used at separate points during the mass.
Chalice
Also one of the best religious items used at mass, the chalice is a sacred glass used to hold the wine that is known as the Blood of the Lord. It is only touched by the clergy during the prayer ceremony.
Purificator
A white linen cloth embroidered or marked with a cross, the purificator is used to cleanse the chalice.
Paten
It is a shallow saucer-like disk made from the same material, as the chalice and only touched by the clergy. The paten holds the bread or the Body of the Lord. The Bishop consecrates both chalices and patens.
Corporal
During the mass, a white linen cloth will have the Paten and Chalice on it. This cloth is known as corporal. It is ironed in a predetermined manner; so, the cloth can be unfolded into nine equal squares.
Ciborium
A bigger chalice covered by a lid with a cross at the top, a ciborium serves multiple purposes. It is used to hold the Body of Christ during which a white silk veil covers it. Ciborium also reserves the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.
Thuribulum
Also known as Censer, this religious item is used to incense the wine and bread after the offertory, altar, Priest, and the congregation during solemn occasions.
Processional Crucifix
It is a crucifix on a rigid staff that is carried by hand. It is held while entering the Church for Mass and exiting later, in front of Liturgical processions, before gifts are brought up to the altar, and for other solemn occasions. It is placed on the altar at all other times.
Pall
It is a white-colored stiff cover placed over the Paten when it is kept on the chalice. It pall prevents any foreign particle from falling into the chalice.
Communion cups
These items are similar to a Chalice and utilized when people receive from the cup during communion. Communion cups are kept on the Credence Table and brought to the Altar only during the communion.