ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Popular piety

Popular piety refers to the religious beliefs and practices that are followed by everyday people in their daily lives. These can be things like praying at home, making pilgrimages to holy sites, or wearing religious items like crucifixes or medals.

Think of it like how you might do things at home that your parents have taught you, like saying please and thank you or brushing your teeth before bed. Popular piety is like that, but for religious things.

Sometimes people who follow popular piety do things that aren't part of the official teachings of their religion. For example, saying a prayer to a saint who isn't officially recognized by the church. But these practices are still important to people because they help them feel closer to God or to the saints they admire.

Overall, popular piety is an important way that people practice their faith outside of formal religious settings. It's a way for people to feel more connected to their religion and to find comfort and meaning in their daily lives.
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