Roman Catholics show their respect and humility for the Pope by kissing his feet. Christians who practice foot washing today do so to bring them closer to Jesus and to fill them with a sense of humility and service. įoot washing, or ceremonial washing of others' feet, is associated with humility in Christianity, and Jesus Christ is recorded in the New Testament as washing the feet of his disciples to serve them during the Last Supper.
Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest holy ground ( Exodus 3:5).Īnyone entering a mosque or a Hindu temple, including a visitor, is expected to remove his or her shoes racks for the storage of shoes are usually provided at the entrance. For example, in the Book of Exodus, Moses was instructed to remove his shoes before approaching the burning bush: In many religions, it is common to remove shoes when entering a place considered holy. Some Christian churches practice barefoot pilgrimage traditions, such as the ascent of Croagh Patrick in Ireland at night while barefoot. It is customary in Judaism and some Christian denominations to go barefoot while mourning. Going barefoot generally symbolizes poverty.
Some religious practitioners have taken a vow of Gospel poverty, while there are certain convents where going barefoot is obligatory ( Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, Poor Clares, Colettine Poor Clares). In most religions, the exposure of bare feet is regarded as a sign of humility and subjection. Barefoot girl in Udaipur, India Religious aspects