Work

Religious Decorations in Contemporary Faith Communities: Typology, Functions, and Examples

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study surveys religious decorations and awards across Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. It proposes a typology (personal adornments, liturgical/ritual objects, and sacred-space adornments), analyzes notable cases such as the Order of Spiritual Equality, the Benemerenti Medal, the Order of the Holy Lamb, and devotional medals, and discusses social-religious functions (symbolic, didactic, ritual, identity-building, protective, and aesthetic/inspirational). The paper argues that religious decorations are integral to lived religion, materializing beliefs, shaping worship, and supporting interfaith dialogue and community cohesion.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16877115

Author: Warrington, Alexis

Language: English

Topic: Study and Philosophy of Religion

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W6931046987

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