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Religion
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The Egyptians worshiped hundreds of different gods and goddesses.
Religion was an important part of life, not something separate. Temples contained schools, workshops, and storehouses and also served as the home of the gods. Besides serving the gods, priests did many other jobs, such as teaching or even helping with the harvest.
Religious festivals were holidays. The festival of the god Amun lasted for a month during the flood season, when no work had to be done in the fields.
(A) HOME OF THE GOD
A temple was the palace or home of the god. Beyond the large hall was the sanctuary, containing the shrine of the god.
(B) THE SHRINE
The gods statue stood in the sanctuary, which only the priests were allowed to enter.
(C) PRIESTS
The priests had to be pure and clean. They shaved their heads and bodies and washed four times a day. They wore robes of fine, white linen.
(D) OFFERINGS
The chief priest brought daily offerings of food, and carried out other holy duties, such as washing and clothing the god.
(E) STATUE
At religious festivals, priests carried the statue outside, where the people could pray to the god or ask him or her questions.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Egyptians
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Section:
Ancient Egypt
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Chapter:
Religion
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