ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Holy well

A holy well is a special kind of well that some people think is holy or sacred, which means they believe it is connected to God, spirits or other supernatural powers. It is said to have healing powers or to be a place where people can go to pray, make wishes or even perform rituals.

People have been visiting holy wells for centuries, especially in places like Ireland and Scotland, where they hold a special place in local traditions and folklore. Some of them are believed to be associated with famous saints or other religious figures from the past, and have become pilgrimage sites for people seeking spiritual inspiration or physical cures.

Some holy wells have particular rituals attached to them, such as leaving offerings of coins, flowers, or other objects as a way of seeking blessings or expressing gratitude. Others have specific times of the year when they are said to be most powerful or effective, and people often gather there to mark these occasions with special prayers or ceremonies.

Overall, a holy well is a place that some people believe has special powers or connections to the divine, and can be visited for spiritual or healing purposes, or simply as a way of connecting with the history and traditions of a particular culture or region.