Three things to remember when visiting sacred places

Respect and reflect. Jessica Leonard.

Religion is an essential part of a country’s culture. In many countries, places of worship serve as a site where people can witness magnificent tradition, history, and architecture. Most of the time, foreigners are welcome to look around or participate in some of the activities. However, tourists must also return the kind gesture by following certain rules. Below are some things to remember when visiting sacred places. Jessica Leonard.

Dress code: Whatever the religion, it is always appropriate to wear proper clothing when entering a place of worship. To be safe, tourists should wear clothing that covers their shoulders, stomach, and legs. If there is a prescribed covering or if footwear is not allowed, visitors should be quick to adhere to these rules before going around the place. It might help to read up on the dress code and other rules before the tour. Jessica Leonard.

Statues, adornments, and relics: Before going into a place of worship, remember that not all religious pieces can be touched. In Buddhist temples, for example, the statues cannot be touched. On the other hand, in Catholic or Christian sites, pilgrims can touch blessed statues. If unsure, it’s always better to ask the tour guides or caretakers. Jessica Leonard.

Photography: As much as possible, people are advised not to take photos of people who are praying or worshipping. A person’s praying or worshipping stance is a private activity that onlookers should always respect. When visiting a mosque, for example, tourists are not allowed to take pictures when there is ongoing prayer. In some religions, the innermost part of sacred sites cannot be photographed. Jessica Leonard.

To make their trip truly worthwhile, foreign visitors should follow the rules and cultural practices of the places they visit. Instead of focusing on the view, they can take this time to reflect and pray.