Sacred vs. profane

The concepts of sacred and profane, introduced by sociologist Emile Durkheim, distinguish between elements considered spiritually or religiously revered (sacred) and those seen as ordinary or everyday (profane). Sacred objects, places, or practices hold special meaning and are often associated with religious rituals or beliefs, inspiring reverence. Profane aspects involve everyday, mundane activities without religious significance. This distinction helps explain how societies create a sense of order and collective identity by separating what is spiritually significant from ordinary life, shaping rituals, symbols, and social cohesion.