Votive offering
A votive offering is an object or gift presented to a deity or sacred site to fulfill a vow, seek favor, or express thanks.
Ex-voto: An object offered in gratitude for a favor believed to have been granted, often after danger or illness. Ex-votos are a familiar form of votive offering made in response to answered prayers.
Vow: A solemn promise or commitment, often made to a deity or sacred cause. A votive gift may fulfill the promise that gives it its name.
Ancient Greek religion: The diverse cult practices and beliefs of the ancient Greek world. Greek sanctuaries accumulated dedications from individuals, cities, and military victors.
Terracotta figurines of ancient Greece: Small fired-clay figures made in ancient Greece for domestic, funerary, and sanctuary contexts. Sanctuary figurines served as affordable offerings alongside more elaborate dedications.
Sacrifice: A ritual offering in which an animal, object, or other valued thing is surrendered to a deity or sacred power. Unlike many votive gifts, sacrifice can involve destruction or ritual consumption.
Votive candle: A small candle lit as a devotional act, often in a church or shrine. Lighting one turns a brief prayer or promise into a visible offering.
Prayer: Communication with a deity or sacred power through spoken, silent, or ritual acts. An offering can accompany a request or make gratitude materially visible.
Roman religion: The civic and household religious practices of ancient Rome. Romans dedicated offerings at temples and sacred sites as part of public and private worship.
Delphi: An ancient Greek sanctuary and oracle of Apollo in central Greece. Its archaeological remains include extensive dedications made to Apollo.
Tithe: A contribution, traditionally a tenth of income or produce, given to a religious institution. A tithe is generally a recurring obligation, not a gift tied to a specific vow or favor.