Concepts of Ritual Purity in Religion

Purity is a common theme in religions, although the definition if such varies widely. In traditional Christianity, virginity, chastity, and general disconnection with the material world were prime markers of purity: this is why Catholic priests are required to remain celibate and monks and nuns give up both material possessions and sexual intimacy. In Hinduism, different castes are allowed to eat different things and work different jobs in order to remain pure. In Wicca, formal rituals are preceded by a ritual cleansing of the area and the creation of sacred space within a circle.

Zoroastrianism considers six main substances to be purifiers, and they are regularly included in ritual, especially during priestly preparations, since it is generally the priest's purity which is of paramount importance. Of these six substances, fire is both the most well known and the most powerful. Unending fires are tended to within temple walls with care taken to not contaminate them, and their ash is used in purification rituals. temple fires are considered so holy that non-believers are not allowed to view them. For more information, check out Purity And Fire in Zoroastrianism.

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