Water and Religion
Waterfalls are considered sacred in some religions. Source: Rominita
Water is at the heart of many religions and is used in different rites and ceremonies. Water is seen by some as the source of life, it represents (re)birth. Water cleans and purifies the body, which confers a highly symbolic, even sacred, status to water. Water is therefore a key element in ceremonies and religious rites.
Water is often perceived as a god, goddess or divine agency in many religions. Rivers, rain, ponds, lakes, glaciers, hailstorms or snow are some of the forms water may take when interpreted and incorporated in cultural and religious spheres.
Religious interpretations of water considers it to have powers and capacities to transform this world, annihilate sins and create holiness. Water carries away pollution and purifies both in a physical and symbolical sense. Water is a living and spiritual matter, working as a mediator between humans and gods. It often represents the border between this world and the other.
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Adapted from UNESCO's Facts and figures about water religions and beliefs