altar
1. A table or raised platform in a place of worship where religious ceremonies are performed, especially the Eucharist in Christian churches
The priest stood at the altar to conduct the wedding ceremony.
O padre estava no altar para realizar a cerimônia de casamento.
2. A structure, table, or place dedicated to a deity or used for religious sacrifice or worship
Ancient civilizations built altars to honor their gods.
As civilizações antigas construíram altares para homenagear seus deuses.
3. A focal point or place of devotion; something to which great importance or reverence is given
He sacrificed his family on the altar of his ambition.
Ele sacrificou sua família no altar de sua ambição.
In Brazil, altars hold significant cultural importance in both Catholic traditions and Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda, where they serve as sacred spaces for spiritual practice. In the USA, altars are central to Christian worship across denominations and are also increasingly found in homes as personal spiritual spaces. The term is also used metaphorically in both cultures to describe the sacrifice of personal values or relationships for career, ambition, or ideology.
Related Idioms & Phrases
sacrifice something on the altar of (something) - to give up something important for the sake of achieving something else
lead (someone) to the altar - to marry or prepare someone for marriage
at the altar - at the moment of marriage or commitment
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