Holy water is water that, in Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, Oriental Orthodoxy, and some other churches, has been sanctified by a priest for the purpose of baptism; the blessing of persons, places, and objects; or as a means of repelling evil.
The use for baptism and spiritual cleansing is common among several religions, from Christianity to Sikhism and Hinduism. The use of holy water as a sacramental for protection against evil is almost exclusive to Roman Catholics.
Read more about Holy Water: In Non-Christian Religions, Unofficial Uses
Famous quotes containing the words holy and/or water:
“When and where will another come to take your holy place?
Old man mumbling in his dotage, or crying child, unborn?”
—Margaret Abigail Walker (b. 1915)
“All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.”
—F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940)