Coins as votive offering

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/coins-as-votive-offering

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the cross-cultural prevalence?Observed in ancient and modern societies across Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean
2. What is the symbolic value?Coins represent material sacrifice, commitment, and a tangible link to the divine
3. What is a votive coin offering?A votive coin offering is when someone gives a coin to a special place, like a well or statue, to show devotion and ask for good luck.
4. Why do people throw coins into fountains or wells?People throw coins into fountains or wells because they believe it brings good luck, helps their wishes, and shows respect to the water or gods.

Anthropological: Relating to the study of human societies, their cultures, and their development.
Psychological Underpinnings: The underlying mental and emotional factors that explain a behavior or phenomenon.
Secularized: Drawn away from religious or spiritual belief or practice.