ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ancestral shrine

An ancestral shrine is a special place where people keep things like pictures or objects that belonged to their family members who have died. These things can remind people of their ancestors and keep their family history alive.

Think about it like having a special cabinet or shelf where you keep things that your grandparents or great-grandparents gave you or that remind you of them. You might put some of their pictures or favorite objects on that special shelf. When you see these things, you can remember your ancestors, think about their lives, and feel connected to your family's past.

In many cultures around the world, people set up ancestral shrines to honor their ancestors and show that they still care about them, even though they are no longer alive. People might offer things like flowers, candles, or food to their ancestors as a way of showing respect and thankfulness. Some people also believe that by honoring their ancestors, they can receive blessings and protection in their own lives.

So basically, an ancestral shrine is a way of keeping your family's memories and traditions alive, showing respect for your ancestors, and feeling connected to your family's past.