SHRIVING PEWS Meaning and
Definition
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Shriving pews refer to designated seating areas found in churches, primarily during the observance of the religious rite known as 'shriving' or the act of confession and seeking forgiveness before the commencement of Lent. These pews were commonly used during Medieval times, particularly in Western Christianity.
Shriving pews were typically located near the entrance or near the altar in the church, providing individuals with a private space for the practice of penance and confession. These pews were associated with the custom of 'shrift,' which involved confessing one's sins to a priest and receiving absolution.
The term 'shriving pew' originates from the word 'shrive,' which means to hear a confession or to grant absolution. The pews allowed congregants to privately examine their conscience and prepare for the period of penitence during Lent.
Shriving pews were often enclosed or had curtains, ensuring privacy for the individuals seeking confession and absolution. They were also distinctively recognizable, as they were usually intricately carved or decorated, distinguishing them from the regular seating areas in the church.
Overall, shriving pews served as a physical and symbolic space for reflection, confession, and reconciliation within a sacred setting. Today, while shriving pews are less commonly seen in churches, the concept of shriving and seeking forgiveness remains an important part of religious practices for some denominations.
Common Misspellings for SHRIVING PEWS
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Etymology of SHRIVING PEWS
The term "shriving pews" is derived from the Middle English word "shriven", meaning to hear confessions and grant absolution as part of the sacrament of penance in the Catholic Church. Pews, on the other hand, refer to the enclosed seating areas found in churches. In medieval times, when the term "shriving pews" originated, these pews were specifically assigned to penitents for the purpose of making their confessions. The word "shrive" itself comes from the Old English word "scrīfan", meaning "to impose a penance" or "to prescribe a remedy for sin". Over time, shriving pews gradually evolved to become the modern-day confessionals, which are typically enclosed booths or rooms used for the sacrament of confession in Catholic churches.
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