Every home tells a story – not just in the walls or furniture, but in the little details that reflect who you are. For many of us, that story includes faith, spiritual beliefs, or a cultural heritage. Religious and spiritual artifacts aren’t just nice pieces to hang or place on a shelf. They’re reminders of what grounds us, what inspires us, and where we come from.
Why Spiritual Artifacts Matter
Across centuries and cultures, people have brought sacred symbols into their homes. They’ve honored tradition and created spaces that feel safe, calm, and connected. In Indian homes, for example, you might find statues of deities or sacred symbols that are believed to attract blessings and peace. These aren’t random objects; they hold real meaning.
In the Jewish tradition, a Mezuzah case contains a sacred scroll and is mounted on doorposts to offer protection and mark the home as a space of faith.
Choosing Items That Speak To You
The most powerful decor is personal. It’s not about filling your home with symbols you think “ought” to be there, but about finding the ones that resonate with your beliefs, background, or values. Here are a few types you might consider:
- Icons and statues: Maybe you’re drawn to a calm Buddha, a dancing Nataraja, or a Christian saint. These figures serve as reminders of qualities like peace, strength, or compassion.
- Wall hangings and prints, such as mandalas, sacred texts, and quotes.
- Amulets and talismans: Objects like the Hamsa Hand are meaningful across many cultures, symbolizing protection and good luck.
- Ritual tools: Candles, prayer beads, incense holders just look beautiful, they help you practice mindfulness and connect with your spiritual side.
Bringing religious or spiritual artifacts is about creating a space that reflects your values and personal journey – whatever they may be. Whether it’s a humble candle, a handmade silver Mezuzah Case, or a mandala, these pieces serve as quiet reminders of the sacred in everyday life.
Meaningful Pieces
Our homes are as diverse as we are, and it’s okay to embrace symbols from other faiths or traditions that resonate, as long as we do it respectfully. Many people find peace in universal symbols like the lotus flower, the tree of life, or prayers for global harmony.
The founder of Edith & Evelyn, Cindy, has written about the significance of religious items in homes. She advises using these items in ways that honor their purposes, and suggests mixing and matching religious items with other décor pieces – you might display a cross on a wall containing other artworks, or place a statue on a bookshelf. Her own journey decorating with religious pieces started when she came across a miniature statue of the infant Jesus and St. John the Baptist, which immediately made her feel like she was holding something precious.
These items can become part of life’s big moments – a wedding, a baby’s blessing, or the first day in a new home. They carry memories and meaning, long after the moment has passed.