household deity

"Household deities" are spirits or gods believed to protect homes and families, often revered in various cultures and traditions.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Voice:
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Voice:

Definition

C1Religion and Mythology

(mythology, religion)A minor spirit or god believed to protect and oversee the home and family.

Example

  • In ancient Rome, the lares were considered household deities that protected the family and home.
  • Many cultures have household deities that are honored through daily rituals.

C1Folklore

(folklore)A supernatural being worshipped within a home for blessings and protection.

Example

  • In Slavic folklore, the domovoi is a household deity that guards the house and its inhabitants.

C1Figurative

(figurative)A revered individual within a group, often seen as a guiding or protective figure.

Example

  • Albert Einstein is often considered a household deity in the world of physics.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "household deity":

domestic goddesslares and penatesjoint household