altar

The first thing we have to underline is the etymological origin of the word altar. In this case, we can indicate that it derives from Latin, exactly from “altar, altaris”, which can be translated as “raised platform”.

The first meaning mentioned in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) refers to the object or structure that is found high and that allows the development of a religious ceremony. The idea of ​​altar can also refer to ara, a rock that has been consecrated.

Since ancient times, on the altars various rituals linked to spirituality. Before they were frequent sacrifices made in honor of the gods and the delivery of offerings. At present, the notion of altar is usually linked to the table that is used in the christian masses.

The altar, in this sense, is a consecrated table which is used by the priest during the celebration of mass. Located inside the churchIt is common for the altar to have an altarpiece as an ornament. Candles, crosses and other pieces of a symbolic nature can be placed on it.

When a church has several chapels, each of them has its own altar. In this way, the main altar is known as high altar. Located at the head or apse of the building, the main altar is usually attached to an altarpiece.

Other curiosities about the main altar are the following:
-Catholic temples usually have it made in marble, compared to Anglicans and Protestants who choose to make it in wood. The latter do so as a way of alluding to the table of the Last Supper.
-The most decorated part of the main altar is the one called the sanctuary. Specifically, in this it is usual that, among other elements, there is an altarpiece.
-Among the most impressive main altars we can highlight from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Paris) to the Cathedral of Seville, the Cathedral of León or the Cathedral of Notre-Dame (Paris). And that without forgetting that another of the most fascinating is the Church of the Madeleine (Paris).

In relation to this ornamental and fundamental element of the churches we have to state that there is a popular expression that uses it. We are referring to "going through the altar." This expression is used to indicate that a person is getting married or has been married. Thus, for example, the following can be established: "Manuel is going to go through the altar next September." That means she is getting married in September.

Altar It is also the name of a municipality that is located in Sonora, a condition from Mexico. It has just over 9,000 inhabitants and is characterized by its very high temperatures. In the region is the Great Altar Desert, which is part of the Sonoran desert.

A Mexican river, a hill of chili and a volcano from Ecuador they also bear the name of altar.