What is the reliquary?

Reliquary is a type of sanctuary used to accommodate relics , which are physical objects associated with saints or other religious characters, and traditionally, they have supernatural healing forces. The relics differ greatly in size and appearance, but many, especially relaxing Europe, are very sophisticated and decorated with precious metals and jewelry. Some reliquaries are designed to be portable, either carried on man or manifest themselves to the public in processes, while others are designed to be permanently located in churches. The holy thorns of the Jesus' crown of thorns and fragments of the right cross were popular relics during the medieval period, but as John Calvin allegedly emphasized, there were so many that few could be real. Perhaps the most impressive relics are the tnepo bodies of some saints, often on the display in full in a coffin similar to glass reliquary. Reliquary was used for both protection and for attractively demonstrating relics. Not all reliquaries allow,So that the relics can look through the glass, but most of them are artistically decorated.

The first relication was simply boxes, but during the medieval era they became decorative. One of the popular styles was a reliquary created in shape related to the relic, which he held, such as reliquary similar to the bust for the skull or in the shape of an arm for the arms of the bone. Real crosses can be held in cross -reliquary. In the later Middle Ages, personal relics in the form of jewelry, such as medalliaphopular.

The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century meant the end of the flourishing of the reliquary, which Martin Luther condemned as a idolatry. However, the religions are still produced, especially in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox countries, and many of the medieval period are still exhibited in churches and museums.