religious relics

Religious relics are physical objects venerated because of their connection to a holy figure or sacred event—typically body parts, clothing, or possessions of saints and prophets.

In Christianity, relics range from fragments of the True Cross to saints' bones housed in elaborate containers called reliquaries.

Other traditions have analogous practices: Buddhism venerates the Buddha's teeth and bones, Islam preserves items associated with Muhammad.

Relics have historically drawn pilgrims, inspired cathedrals, and fueled a trade in forgeries.

The cathedral's religious relics attracted thousands of pilgrims each year.