Homewares For Creating Your Own Shrine

A shrine is an ancient tradition used to pay tribute to a deity, holy person, relic or sacred ground. Shrines are found all over the world and have a history of use in nearly every religion and society. Other shrines are considered to be nonsecular such as for cult figures or at war memorials. The place on a shrine where votives, candles and other offerings are left is called the altar. Shrines may be portable items that can be placed on a shelf or hung from a wall. They can also be huge temples or the main focus point of a large building such as a cathedral. Other shrines may be at home or in the yard. Whatever your reasons are you can build your own shrine using ordinary household items like wholesale lamps, candles, picture frames, wall hangings and other decorative objects.

Lamps

A source of light is important in any design situation but when calling attention to a single object or picture it may be advantageous to train an electric light onto it. This will draw the attention of the room toward the object of the shrine especially if the overhead lights are dimmed or non-existent. In other instances shaded lamps may provide a soft glow in a room in which bright lighting is not ideal. This might be because the space is filled with ancient relics or other antiquities that could be damaged by too much bright light. Or it could be for reasons of general ambience.

Candles & Flora

It is common to see a shrine or altar that is bedecked with one or more, many more, candles. The symbology of lighting a candle and bestowing it upon an altar is rich in cultural tradition. People may light a candle to remember someone that has passed or to pay tribute to a deity or other important figure. Other common offerings include flowers or floral arrangements, kinds of food and drink, and other small gifts. Therefore, when building a shrine for oneself you may consider a special arrangement of objects to line on or at the base of the shrine.

Picture Frames

If the shrine is meant to pay tribute to a person, such as a political or religious leader or even your favourite rock star, then it is common to see a framed portrait as the focus of a shrine. Picture frames can also be used to construct attractive wall shrines that are somewhat portable. By filling the centre with the object of worship a miniature shrine of sorts is created. This might be a photograph picture or some kind of symbol. To make it seem more authentic or attractive try decorating the sides of the frame with paint or small objects. This is to pay tribute and make it look respectable as well as pretty.

Wall Hangings

Another option for making and decorating a shrine is wall hangings which may be particularly called for in situations involving wall shrines. You may want to suspend a beautiful tapestry or cloth from the ceiling that will be behind the picture frame or other objects. It is possible to hang up a row of lanterns or fairy lights over or around the shrine area. There may be a collection of artworks or wall plaques on the wall for example the stained glass of an elaborate Catholic cathedral. Items such as these are encouraged because they make the shrine look better and draw attention to the general idea.

Decorative Objects

Besides light sources, flowers and wall art there are other kinds of decorative objects that can be used when building a shrine. Even if you have yet to acquire a holy relic for your home shrine, which is perfectly understandable, an assortment of decorative objects can help with ambience. It may depend on the reasons behind building a shrine. For example a collection of statuettes or ceramic figures scattered around the shrine may add to the general effect. The look of a ceramic, glass or metal container may imitate a traditional setting and can hold sacred offerings.