Mohammed wrote:Dumb question, but I would like to know... when making an offering to a certain saint/diety etc. how does one properly do it?
To make this a bit clearer, I guess, Im asking...
Do I just put the offering (fruit/rum/flowers etc.) in front of the statue?
and what I really want to know is how long do you leave it there? Until it rots, wilts, etc?
Thank you.
I have been taught by numerous people that it is not good to leave rotting food or flowers on an altar dedicated to a Saint or Holy Figure. Now dried flowers are a different matter, but fresh flowers that are going bad on the altar are a no, no.
With most Saints you make your petition to them, say an appropriate prayer, and then give them the food/flower offering immediately. The big exception to this is Saint Expedite who gets his thanks offerings only after he has come through for you. Note: this is only if you are directly petitioning St. Expedite, you can leave him a thanks offering at any time as you can with most Saints.
After the offerings have been made, most folks will do as has been suggested and dispose of the flowers and share any food offerings that are appropriate with their local wildlife. Please do not make substances like chocolate, alcohol, or rice exposed to wildlife as these things can harm and in some cases even kill our fellow creatures.
good luck,
Bri