Blessing

{{Short description|Rite that should bring persons or property share in divine power or grace}}
{{About|a type of religious pronouncement}}
{{Redirect|Bless}}
[[File:Преподобный Сергий благословляет великого князя Дмитрия Донского на выступление против рати Мамая 01.jpg|thumb|230px|''[[Sergius of Radonezh|St. Sergius]] blesses [[Dmitry Donskoy]] to fight [[Mamay]]'', 1919, by {{ill|Aleksandr Novoskoltsev|ru|Новоскольцев, Александр Никанорович}}]]
In [[religion]], a '''blessing''' (also used to refer to bestowing of such) is the impartation of something with [[doctrines of grace|grace]], [[Sacred|holiness]], spiritual [[Redemption (theology)|redemption]], or [[Will of God|divine will]].

== Etymology and Germanic paganism ==
The modern English language term ''bless'' likely derives from the 1225 term {{Lang|enm|blessen}}, which developed from the [[Old English]] {{Lang|ang|blǣdsian}} (preserved in the [[Northumbria]]n dialect around 950 AD).<ref name=BARNHART73>Barnhart (1995:73).</ref> The term also appears in other forms, such as {{Lang|ang|blēdsian}} (before 830), {{Lang|ang|blētsian}} from around 725 and ''{{lang|ang|blesian}}'' from around 1000, all meaning to make sacred or holy by a sacrificial custom in the [[Anglo-Saxon paganism|Anglo-Saxon pagan]] period, originating in [[Germanic paganism]]; to mark with blood.<ref name=BARNHART73/> Due to this, the term is related to the term {{Lang|ang|blōd}}, meaning '[[blood]]'.<ref name=BARNHART73/> References to this indigenous practice, [[Blót]], exist in related [[Iceland]]ic sources.

The modern meaning of the term may have been influenced in translations of the Bible into Old English during the process of [[Christianization]] to translate the [[Latin]] term {{Lang|la|benedīcere}} meaning 'to speak well of', resulting in meanings such as 'to praise' or 'extol' or 'to speak of' or 'to wish well'.<ref name=BARNHART73/>

==Abrahamic religions==
[[File:Isaak zegent Jakob Rijksmuseum SK-A-110.jpeg|thumb|''[[Isaac]] Blessing [[Jacob]]'', painting by [[Govert Flinck]] ([[Rijksmuseum Amsterdam]])]]
{{Main|Abrahamic religions}}
'To be blessed' means to be favored by [[YHWH|God]], the source of all blessing.<ref name="Chinuch"/> Blessings, therefore, are directly associated with, and are believed to come from, God. Thus, to express a blessing is like bestowing a wish on someone that they experience the favor of God, and to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing.

A biblical damnation, in its most formal sense, is a negative blessing.

In the [[Bible]], positive and negative blessings are related; the book of [[Deuteronomy]] prescribes that obedience to the [[Ten Commandments|Law of Moses]] brings God's blessing. One of the first incidences{{verify spelling|date=September 2022|reason=''incidence'' is normally used only in the singular form, perhaps ''incidence'', ''incidents'',  or ''instances'' was intended}} of blessing in the Bible is in [[Book of Genesis|Genesis]], {{bibleverse-nb||Genesis|12:1-2|HE}} where [[Abram]] is ordered by the [[YHWH|God]] to leave his country and is told:

{{Blockquote|"I will bless you, I will make your name great."}}

The [[Priestly Blessing]] is set forth at [[Book of Numbers|Numbers]] {{bibleverse-nb||Numbers|6:24-26|HE}}:

: May [[Names of God in Judaism#Adonai|Adonai]] bless you, and guard you;
: May Adonai make His countenance shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
: May Adonai turn His countenance to you and grant you peace.

This seems to be one of the oldest and long-living prayers in the peace story of humanity.<ref>{{cite book |last1=von Rad |first1=Gerhard |title=Old Testament Theology |date=2012 |publisher=[[ Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd ]] |isbn=978-1-56563-652-1 |pages=1–101 |author-link=Gerhard von Rad}}</ref>

===Judaism===
{{main|Berakhah}}
[[File:Synagoge, Enschede, Mozaiek.jpg|thumb|right|Position in which a Jewish [[kohen]] places his hands and fingers during the [[Priestly Blessing]], detail of a mozaic in the Synagoge of Enschede, Netherlands<ref>The mosaic text reads "בשמאלה עשר וכבוד" ("in her left hand riches and honor"), which is a part of Proverbs 3:16.</ref>]]
In [[Rabbinic Judaism]], a blessing (or ''[[berakhah]]'') is recited at a specified moment during a prayer, ceremony or other activity, especially before and after partaking of food. The function of blessings is to acknowledge [[God in Judaism|God]] as the source of all blessing.<ref name="Chinuch">[[Sefer ha-Chinuch]] 430</ref> A ''berakhah'' of rabbinic origin typically starts with the words, "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe..." Rabbinic Judaism teaches that food ultimately is a gift of the one great Provider, God, and that to partake of food legitimately one should express gratitude to God by reciting the appropriate blessing of rabbinic origin prior, while torah mandates an informal blessing afterwards.<ref name="Chinuch"/> [[Jewish law]] does not reserve recitation of blessings to only a specific class of Jews; but it does mandate specific blessings to specific occasions, so that, for example since medieval times, Jewish women chiefly recite a rabbinic blessing after lighting two [[Shabbat candles]].

===Christianity===
[[File:First communion blessing.jpg|thumb|A bishop blesses a girl with the sign of cross on her forehead during [[Confirmation in the Catholic Church|Confirmation in the catholic church]]]]
Blessings and [[curse]]s of [[Christ]] appear in the [[New Testament]], as recounted in the [[Beatitudes]] of Luke 6:20-22. Within [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Anglicanism]], [[Lutheranism]], and similar traditions, formal blessings of the church are performed by [[bishop]]s, [[priest]]s, and [[deacon]]s. Particular formulas may be associated with [[episcopal blessing]]s and [[papal blessing]]s. In Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches blessings are bestowed by [[bishop]]s and [[priest]]s in a [[liturgy|liturgical]] context, raising their right hand and making the [[Sign of the Cross#Use of the sign|sign of the cross]] with it over persons or objects to be blessed. They also give blessings to begin [[daily office|divine services]] and at the [[dismissal (liturgy)|dismissal]] at the end.

In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] liturgical blessings are performed over people, objects, or are given at specific points during divine services. A priest or bishop usually blesses with his hand, but may use a [[blessing cross]], [[candle]]s, an [[icon]], the [[chalice (cup)|Chalice]] or [[Gospel Book]] to bestow blessings, always making the [[Sign of the Cross]] therewith. When blessing with the hand, a priest uses his right hand, holding his fingers so that they form the Greek letters [[IC XC]], the monogram of Jesus Christ. A bishop does the same, except he uses both hands, or may hold the [[crozier]] in his left hand, using both to make the Sign of the Cross. A bishop may also bless with special candlesticks known as the [[dikirion and trikirion]]. When blessing an object, the [[rubrics]] often instruct Orthodox bishops and priests to make use of such substances as [[incense]] and [[Holy water in Eastern Christianity|holy water]]. Also, formal ecclesiastical permission to undertake an action is referred to as a "blessing". The blessing may be bestowed by a bishop or priest, or by one's own [[spiritual father]]. When an Orthodox [[laity|layperson]] bestows a blessing, he or she will hold the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand together (the same configuration used when making the Sign of the Cross on themselves), and make the sign of the cross over the person or object they are blessing.

In Protestant liturgies such as those of [[Reformed church]]es or [[Evangelical church]]es, the minister blesses the congregation during the concluding part of the service of worship, known as the [[benediction]].<ref> Geoffrey Wainwright, ''The Oxford History of Christian Worship'', Oxford University Press, UK, 2006, p. 471, 549, 567-568</ref> For example, the [[Orthodox Presbyterian]] Directory for Public Worship states that "Unless necessary, none should depart until after the benediction," and "by his Spirit working through the ministry of the Word, God addresses his people in the call to worship, in the salutation and benediction, in the reading and preaching of the Word, and in the 
sacraments."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://opc.org/BCO/BCO_2020.pdf |title=Chapter 1, The Principles of Public Worship. |publisher=opc.org |access-date=2022-09-22}}</ref> The Methodist ''[[Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965)|The Book of Worship for Church and Home]]'' (1965) contains "An Office for the Blessing of a Dwelling".<ref name="BOW1964">{{cite book|title=The Book of Worship for Church and Home: With Orders of Worship, Services for the Administration of the Sacraments and Other Aids to Worship According to the Usages of the Methodist Church|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ckw6vgAACAAJ|access-date=25 March 2017|year=1964|publisher=Methodist Publishing House|language=en |pages=373}}</ref>

In the [[Blessing (Roman Catholic Church)|Roman Catholic Church a priest or bishop blesses]] the faithful with the [[Blessed Sacrament]] in the [[monstrance]] during [[Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament]]. According to the guidelines given by the Vatican's [[Congregation for the Discipline of the Sacraments]] that govern the procedures for liturgical ceremonies, if a Roman Catholic layperson (a lay acolyte or parish administrator, for example) or any non-ordained religious (who is not the superior of the congregation) leads a Sunday service (other than a [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]], which requires a priest to celebrate), such as [[Eucharist]]ic adoration, the [[Rosary]], or celebration of the [[Liturgy of the Hours]], he or she does not perform rites or sacraments reserved to the clergy and does not solemnly bless the people as a bishop, priest, or deacon would at the end of the service; an alternative format is used instead.

In the [[Lutheran Church]]es, priests are often asked to bless objects frequently used by or sacred to individuals, such as a [[cross necklace]]; in addition, Lutheran clergy also bless the homes of members of the congregations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/real-estate/2017/03/01/what-is-house-blessing-and-should-have-one.html|title=What is a house blessing and should you have one?|last=Jackson|first=Katie|date=1 March 2017|publisher=[[Fox News]]|language=en|access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref>

In [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], blessings are given by worthy, male members who hold the [[Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Melchizedek priesthood]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/handbook-2-administering-the-church/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings |title=20. Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings |publisher=churchofjesuschrist.org |access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref>

===Islam===
{{main|Barakah}}
Blessings in [[Islam]] have two aspects, according to major scholars of Islam. Blessings are given by [[Allah]] as a trial for mankind. Scholars of Islam believe that having fear of being gradually misled by blessings is an attribute of the pious, and not having fear from such even though one is constantly misbehaving is an attribute of the impious. Blessings can be a source of success in the afterlife if one is grateful to Allah for them and the same blessings can be a source for damnation in afterlife if a person is not constantly grateful to God for them.<ref name="wordpress1">{{Cite web|url=https://seekingthedivinecountenance.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/dual-nature-of-blessings-in-islam/|title=Dual Nature of Blessings in Islam|date=July 11, 2016}}</ref>

Islam has no clerical caste, and therefore no blessings reserved to specific individuals. Muslims will frequently pronounce "peace and blessings be upon him" when mentioning the name of [[Muhammad]] or indeed, any of the prophets. Muslims will also greet one another with a blessing every time they meet and depart: {{Lang|ar|السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته}} {{Lang|ar-latn|as-salāmu alaikum wa rahmatul-lāhi wa barakātuh}} (meaning "[[As-salamu alaykum|may peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you]]").<ref name="wordpress1"/>

==Dharma religions==
[[Indian religions]], which includes [[Hinduism]] and other religions like [[Buddhism]], [[Jainism]], [[Sikhism]], etc. are also called [[Dharmic]] religions, all of which are based on the different concept of dharma and [[karma]] and typical blessings are based on [[Adhiṣṭhāna]], [[Añjali Mudrā]], [[Darśana]] and [[Mudra]], etc.

===Hinduism===
{{more citations needed |section |date= December 2017}}
{{See also | Guru-shishya tradition | Sampradaya | Parampara }}
[[File:Aarti-night.jpg|right|thumb|[[Aarti]].]]
In [[Hinduism]] [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] is a religious ritual performed by Hindus as an offering to various deities, distinguished persons, or special guests. It is modeled on the idea of giving a gift or offering to a deity or important person and receiving their approval ({{Lang|sa-latn|Ashirvād}}). During the Puja involves an '[[Aarti]] plate' or 'Aarti lamp' is circulating around a deity or person and is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that deity or person (many versions exist). In doing so, the plate or lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deity. The priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those present. They cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead – the purificatory blessing, passed from the deity's image to the flame, has now been passed to the devotee.

During the [[naivedya]] ritual, a devotee makes an offering of a material substance such as flowers, fruits, or sweets. The deity then 'enjoys' or tastes a bit of the offering, which is then temporarily known as [[bhogya]]. This now-divinely invested substance is called [[prasāda]], and is received by the devotee to be ingested, worn, etc. It may be the same material that was originally offered, or material offered by others and then re-distributed to other devotees. In many temples, several kinds of prasada (e.g. nuts, sweets) are distributed to the devotees.

[[File:Hindu-priest-blessing.jpg|thumb|left|Hindu priest giving blessing.]]
[[Darśana|''Darshan'']] is a term meaning 'sight' (in the sense of an instance of seeing or beholding; from a root {{Lang|sa-latn|dṛś}} 'to see'), [[Vision (spirituality)|vision]], apparition, or glimpse. It is most commonly used for "visions of the divine," e.g., of a god or a very holy person or artifact. One could "receive {{Lang|sa-latn|darshana}}" of the deity in the temple, or from a great saintly person, such as a great [[guru]]. The touching of the feet ({{Lang|sa-latn|pranāma}}) is a show of respect and it is often an integral part of {{Lang|sa-latn|darshan}}. Children touch the feet of their family elders while people of all ages will bend to touch the feet of a great guru, [[murti]] (icon) of a [[Deva (Hinduism)|Deva]] (God) (such as [[Rama]] or [[Krishna]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siddhayoga.org.in/glossary.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721180724/http://www.siddhayoga.org.in/glossary.html|url-status=dead|title=Welcome to Siddha Yoga Path in India|archive-date=July 21, 2011|website=www.siddhayoga.org.in}}</ref>

There is a special link between worshipper and guru during [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]s, in which people may touch the guru's feet in respect ([[Pranāma]]), or remove the dust from a guru's feet before touching their own head.

Another tradition is {{Lang|hi-latn|Vāhan pujā}} (Hindi) or {{Lang|ta-latn|Vāgana poojai}} (Tamil {{Lang|ta|வாகன பூஜை}}) 'vehicle blessing'. This is a ritual that is performed when one purchases a new vehicle.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}
{{clear}}

===Buddhism===
{{Main|Mangala Sutta|Adhiṣṭhāna}}
[[File:Replica of Sanchi gate at Chaitya Bhoomi.png|thumb|Replica of an image at the Sanchi gate at [[Chaitya Bhoomi]], which shows a devotion scene involving a Buddhist [[stupa]].]]
In ''[[Mangala Sutta]]'', [[Lord Buddha]] describes 'blessings' that are wholesome personal pursuits or attainments, identified in a progressive manner from the mundane to the ultimate spiritual goal.

[[Buddhist devotion#Blessing|Blessings in Buddhism]], certain ceremonies are meant to provide blessings.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last1=Assavavirulhakarn|first1=Prapod|editor1-last=Jones|editor1-first=Lindsay|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of religion|title=Blessing|date=1987|publisher=[[Thomson Gale]]|location=Detroit|isbn=978-0-02-865997-8|page=981|edition=2nd|url=https://www.politicalavenue.com/PDF/ENCYCLOPEDIAS/The%20Gale%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Religion%202nd%20Ed%20Vol.%202.pdf|volume=2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302073830/https://www.politicalavenue.com/PDF/ENCYCLOPEDIAS/The%20Gale%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Religion%202nd%20Ed%20Vol.%202.pdf|archive-date=2017-03-02}}</ref>

==Other uses==
[[File:US Navy 070403-N-6674H-069 Kuhu Kaleo Patterson performs a traditional Hawaiian blessing as Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) Rear Adm. T. G. Alexander use Hawaiian o-o sticks during a military housing groundbreaking ceremon.jpg|thumb|right|260px|A traditional Hawaiian blessing during a [[groundbreaking]] ceremony]]
''Blessing'' is also a term used for marriage in the [[Unification Church]], ''see:'' [[Blessing Ceremony of the Unification Church]].

Clergy will normally receive a blessing from their ecclesiastical superiors to begin their ministry. In the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] pious laymen would go to a [[starets]] ([[Elder (Christianity)|elder]]) to receive his or her blessing before embarking upon any important work or making a major decision in their life. In [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], a member may receive a special blessing, known as a [[patriarchal blessing]], as guidance.

In the U.S., there are sometimes ritual ceremonies to bless companion animals.<ref>{{Cite journal|title = Ritual blessings with companion animals|journal = Journal of Business Research|date = 2008-05-01|pages = 534–541|volume = 61|series = Animal Companions, Consumption Experiences, and the Marketing of Pets: Transcending Boundaries in the Animal-Human Distinction|issue = 5|doi = 10.1016/j.jbusres.2007.07.026|first = Susan L.|last = Holak}}</ref>

In [[Hawaii]] anything new (a new building, a new stretch of road to be opened, a new garden) receives a blessing by a Hawaiian practitioner (or [[Kahuna]]) in a public ceremony (involving also the unwinding of e.g. a [[maile]] [[lei (Hawaii)|lei]]).{{citation needed|date= December 2017}}

In [[Spanish language|Spanish]], there is a blessing which can be used as a tender [[wikt:farewell|farewell]], especially from a parent: {{Lang|es|Vaya con Dios}} ('Go with God'), also [[wikt:adiós|''Adiós'']] ({{Lang|es|A Dios}}, 'to God'), similar to the [[French language|French]] {{Lang|fr|Adieu}}.

In the [[Kyrgyz people]]'s tradition, the blessing ({{Lang|ky-latn|bata}} or {{Lang|ky-latn|ak bata}}, 'the right blessing' or 'white blessing') might be a good wish to somebody by the oldest person or the person with the best reputation before the travel or launch of some activity of the person who seeks such a blessing and moral support. The procedure might be from the pre-Islamic local nomadic traditions with deep family values.  Sometimes, older {{Not a typo|person(s)}} might give a negative blessing (so-called {{Lang|ky-latn|teskeri bata}} – 'the opposite blessing' or 'the black blessing').<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.azattyk.org/a/kyrgyz_term_study_forum_soz_taanuu_sherinesi/2303052.html|title=Сөз таануу|website=Азаттык Υналгысы|date=27 June 2020 }}</ref>

In commercial interactions, a seller's good words about the product, such as "I hope you enjoy it," could be considered to be blessings.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Schindler|first1=Robert M.|last2=Sen|first2=Sandipan S.|last3=Wiles|first3=Judy A.|date=2022-01-02|title="Enjoy!" The Effects of Service Blessings on the Customer|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/15332969.2021.1992561|journal=Services Marketing Quarterly|volume=43|issue=1|pages=110–128|doi=10.1080/15332969.2021.1992561|s2cid=240267919 |issn=1533-2969}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Apostolic Blessing]]
* [[Benediction]]
* [[Blessing of animals]]
* [[Darśana]]
* [[List of Jewish Prayers and Blessings]]
* [[Priesthood blessing]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [[Robert Barnhart|Barnhart, Robert K.]] (1995) ''The Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology'' [[HarperCollins]] {{ISBN|0-06-270084-7}}

==External links==
{{Wiktionary|blessing}}
{{Wikiquote|Blessings}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Religious rituals]]
[[Category:Spiritual warfare]]
[[Category:Christian worship and liturgy]]