adjective / noun
votive
VOH-tiv/ˈvəʊtɪv/
An offering made in fulfillment of a vow or as an expression of religious devotion.
The worshipper offers a votive token at the Marian shrine.
Etymology
With votum meaning both a vow and what was promised, votive describes something dedicated to fulfill that promise. The offering gives tangible form to the vow.
In context
When the crocodiles died, they were mummified and buried as votive offerings to Sobek to ensure protection in the after-life.
More examples
- Pilgrims leave votive offerings at the shrine in gratitude.
- He places a small clay votive beside the statue.
- The museum displays votive tablets left by worshippers centuries ago.
Forms
votive · votives