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.
When it comes to religious ceremonies, people are bound to use certain items during their prayers, regardless of which religion they follow. People might buy these products for personal use or gift them to their loved ones. Let us take a look at some of the best religious items manufacturers that you can purchase from.
Hy-Grade Metal Products Corp, New York
They offer customized manufacturing of religious items made from aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, hot and cold-rolled steel, silver, gold, titanium, brass, copper, and exotic metals, among others.
Religion Universe Import Export Inc., Florida
The company provides a grand selection of some of the best religious items like candles, religious statues, and incense sticks.
Kingdom Bizzness LLC, Texas
They create cards that spread the word of the Lord, which you can purchase for your loved ones. The cards are adorned with messages that will provide them with encouragement, support, and comfort during trying times.
LifeWay, Tennessee
Founded in the year 1891, LifeWay is a distributor of various religious items like flags, cards, and Bibles. It also offers Christian books and music.
Continental Candle Co., California
As the name suggests, the company specializes in producing candles of various types, such as candle lamps, pixie candles, 50-hour burn candles, citronella candles, scented candles, and many others. It also manufactures items like candelabra, candles in glass, and candle holders.
Empire Metal Polishing & Refinishing Corp., Illinois
The company manufactures many religious items like an altar and sanctuary bells, censers and boats, processional crucifix, missal stands, candle burners, candelabras, bobeches, ambries, credence tables, baptismal fonts, and accessories, such as holy water dispensers, hymn boards, sanctuary lamps, tabernacles, and so on.
Burnham & LaRoche Associates, Inc., Massachusetts
Founded in 1895, Burnham & LaRoche has since been manufacturing religious goods like logos and signs, sandblasted and etched glass, and protective covering.
Woerner Industries, Inc., New York
In the year 1936, Woerner Industries was founded in Rochester located in the state of New York. The company produces religious items commonly seen in churches and other religious sanctuaries like kneelers, altars and communion, credence and offertory, confessionals, pews, pulpits and lecturns, and hymn boards, among others.
Every company produces different types of religious goods. Churches or similar places buy these items in bulk. Individuals may purchase them in small numbers for their personal use. So, you can buy according to your needs from any of these companies.