as in pulpits
a table or place which serves as a center of worship or ritual
There was a small altar at the front of the room with candles on it.
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Recent Examples of altars
In the case of poinsettia, Franciscan friars during the 17th century co-opted its use to decorate nativity scenes and altars, as well as to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity.
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Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
These structures varied considerably in form, ranging from simple altars to expansive complexes where ancient Greeks would gather for ceremonies and rituals.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2024
It was used to paint pottery, sculptures, murals, jewellery, clothing, altars and, chillingly, the human beings the ancient Maya offered to their gods, to garner favour.
—Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 1 Dec. 2024
The rooms, about 32 by 16 feet, contained two white marble altars, each with rectangular recesses that likely held sacred stones.
—Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 24 Oct. 2024
The cultural celebration will include the Chicano Art Mercado, live art making and traditional altars set inside the trunks of lowrider cars.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024
Sizes of altars vary based on their significance, ranging from two to seven tiers representing the levels the soul must traverse to reach its final resting place.
—Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
With face painting, sugar skull workshops, live performances, and elaborate altars, this festival offers a full day of family-friendly fun honoring this rich cultural tradition.
—Melissa Santos, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
The office highlights how the shrines have inspired Chicana artists like Amalia Mesa-Bains, who is known for her altars and ofrendas.
—Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024
Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
These structures varied considerably in form, ranging from simple altars to expansive complexes where ancient Greeks would gather for ceremonies and rituals.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2024
It was used to paint pottery, sculptures, murals, jewellery, clothing, altars and, chillingly, the human beings the ancient Maya offered to their gods, to garner favour.
—Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 1 Dec. 2024
The rooms, about 32 by 16 feet, contained two white marble altars, each with rectangular recesses that likely held sacred stones.
—Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 24 Oct. 2024
The cultural celebration will include the Chicano Art Mercado, live art making and traditional altars set inside the trunks of lowrider cars.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024
Sizes of altars vary based on their significance, ranging from two to seven tiers representing the levels the soul must traverse to reach its final resting place.
—Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
With face painting, sugar skull workshops, live performances, and elaborate altars, this festival offers a full day of family-friendly fun honoring this rich cultural tradition.
—Melissa Santos, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
The office highlights how the shrines have inspired Chicana artists like Amalia Mesa-Bains, who is known for her altars and ofrendas.
—Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near altars
Cite this Entry
“Altars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altars. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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