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{{short description|Temple ordinance practiced by LDS Church}}
{{short description|Temple ordinance practiced by LDS Church}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2023}}

[[File:Washing and anointing tub in the Salt Lake Temple, June 1911.png|thumb|One of ten washing and anointing rooms of the [[Salt Lake Temple]] of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] circa 1911.]]
[[File:Washing and anointing tub in the Salt Lake Temple, June 1911.png|thumb|One of ten washing and anointing rooms of the [[Salt Lake Temple]] of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] circa 1911.]]
'''Washing and anointing''' (also called the '''initiatory''') is a [[Temple (LDS Church)#Temple ordinances|temple ordinance]] practiced by [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church) and [[Mormon fundamentalism|Mormon fundamentalists]] as part of the faith's [[Endowment (Mormonism)|endowment]] ceremony. It is a sacred ordinance for teenagers and young adults, similar to [[chrismation]]. The ordinance is performed by the authority of the [[Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Melchizedek priesthood]] by an officiator of the same gender as the participant.


'''Washing and anointing''' is a Latter-day Saint practice of ritual purification. It is a key part of the [[Endowment (Mormonism)|temple endowment]] ceremony as well as the controversial [[Second Anointing]] ceremony practiced by [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church) and [[Mormon fundamentalism|Mormon fundamentalists]]. It was also part of the female-only healing rituals among Latter-day Saints until at least the 1940s.
In the ritual, a person is sprinkled with water, which is symbolically similar to the washing done by priests prior to entering the temple during the time of Moses.<ref>John Christopher Thomas describes this Old Testament practice, “This cleansing from bodily uncleanness was a symbol of putting away of the filth of sin; the washing of the body therefore was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, without which no one can draw near to God..." {{citation |url=http://www.zionlutherannj.net/footwashing-in-the-old-and-new-testament-the-graeco-roman-world-the-early-church-and-the-liturgy-2/ |title=Footwashing in the Old and New Testament, the Graeco Roman World, the Early Church, and the Liturgy }}</ref> After the washing, the officiator anoints the person with consecrated oil while declaring blessings. The officiator then declares that the person is anointed to become a "king and priest" or a "queen and priestess" in the afterlife.


In preparation for the temple endowment, a person, generally over the age of 18, is sprinkled with water, then [[Anointing|anointed]] with perfume or oil as a cleansing before God.<ref name="buerger35" /><ref name=":1">John Christopher Thomas describes this Old Testament practice, “This cleansing from bodily uncleanness was a symbol of putting away of the filth of sin; the washing of the body therefore was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, without which no one can draw near to God..." {{citation |title=Footwashing in the Old and New Testament, the Graeco Roman World, the Early Church, and the Liturgy |date=April 15, 2014 |url=http://www.zionlutherannj.net/footwashing-in-the-old-and-new-testament-the-graeco-roman-world-the-early-church-and-the-liturgy-2/}}</ref> Once washed and anointed, the participant is dressed in the [[temple garment]], a symbolic white undergarment.<ref name="packer">{{Harvtxt|Packer|2007}}.</ref> The ordinance performed by the authority of the [[Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Melchizedek priesthood]], and by an officiator of the same sex as the participant,<ref name="ABVW" /> is "mostly symbolic in nature, but promis[es] definite, immediate blessings as well as future blessings," contingent upon continued righteous living.<ref name="packer" /> These ordinances of washing and [[anointing]] are referred to often in the temple as "initiatory ordinances" since they precede the endowment and [[Sealing (Mormonism)|sealing]] ordinances.<ref name="perry">{{harvtxt|Perry|1992}}.</ref>
Once washed and anointed, the participant is dressed in the [[temple garment]], a religious white undergarment which the participant is instructed to wear throughout his or her life. (Since 2005, participants in the LDS Church version of the ritual already come clothed in this garment prior to the washing and anointing.)

Like other temple ordinances, washings and anointings are also conducted on behalf of deceased individuals as a type of "[[wikt:vicarious|vicarious]] ordinance".<ref name=":2">{{harvtxt|Gaunt|1996}}.</ref>

The LDS Church states the origins of these rituals can be traced back to the biblical period, where [[anointing]]s were used to sanctify individuals and objects, while washings were used for ritual purification.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="perry" /> The LDS Church introduced washings and anointings in the [[Kirtland Temple]] in 1836, before revising the rituals in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]] in 1842.<ref name="buerger35" /> The modern LDS Church only performs these rites in [[Temple (LDS Church)|temples]] set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes according to a January 19, 1841 revelation that [[Joseph Smith]] stated was from [[Jesus Christ]].<ref name=":3" />

Washing and anointing also plays a key role in the [[Second Anointing]] ritual practiced by the [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], in which participants are anointed as a "priest and king" or a "priestess and queen", and are sealed to the highest degree of salvation in LDS theology.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hammond |first1=Elizabeth |title="The Mormon Priestess: A Theology of Womanhood in the LDS Temple" |date=November 2, 2015 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0190248031}}</ref> This is the most secretive ritual practiced by Latter-day Saints, and most LDS adherents are unaware of the ritual's existence.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brooke |first1=John L. |title=The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844 |date=May 31, 1996 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge, UK |isbn=978-0521565646 |page=294 |quote=The frequency of second anointings declined after the turn of the century, and they were virtually eliminated under the authority of Heber J. Grant in the 1920s, to the point that modern Mormons are generally unaware of the rituals existence ....}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
⚫
As the [[Latter Day Saints]] were completing their [[Kirtland Temple|first temple]] in [[Kirtland, Ohio]], founder [[Joseph Smith]] led many of the prominent male church members in a pre-endowment ritual patterned after similar washings and anointings described in the Bible.<ref name = buerger35>{{Harvtxt|Buerger|1987|p=35}}.</ref> This ritual took place beginning on 21 January 1836 in the attic of a printing office.<ref name = buerger35/> Their bodies were washed with water and anointed with perfume, and then their heads were anointed with [[chrism|consecrated oil]].<ref name = buerger35/> Soon after the temple's dedication ceremony on 27 March 1836, about 300 Mormon men participated in a further ritual [[Maundy (foot washing)|washing of feet]] and faces.<ref name = buerger35/>


=== Old Testament Period ===
⚫
Several years later, after Latter Day Saints moved to [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], Smith revised the washing and anointing rituals as part of the new [[Endowment (Mormonism)|Nauvoo endowment]].<ref name = buerger35/> On 4–5 May 1842, nine prominent male church members were inducted into this endowment ceremony in the upper story of Smith's store.<ref name = buerger35/> The first woman (Smith's first wife, [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma]]) was inducted into the endowment ceremony on 28 September 1843.
[[File:Abraham_Bloemaert,_Ritual_Washing_of_the_Israelites,_1606,_NGA_56692.jpg|thumb|Abraham Bloemaert, Ritual Washing of the Israelites, 1606, NGA 56692]]
⚫
Ritual anointings were a prominent part of religious rites in the biblical world. Recipients of the anointing included temple officiants (e.g., [[Aaron]]), prophets (e.g., [[Elisha]]), and kings (e.g., [[Jehu]], [[Solomon]]).<ref name="perry" /> In addition, sacral objects associated with the Israelite sanctuary were anointed. Of equal importance in the religion of the Israelites were ablutions (ceremonial washings). To ensure religious purity, [[Mosaic law]] required that designated individuals receive a ritual washing, sometimes in preparation for entering the temple.<ref name="perry" />

=== New Testament Period ===
[[File:Jesus washing Peter's feet.jpg|left|thumb|[[Jesus]] washing [[Saint Peter|Peter's]] feet. Painted by [[Ford Madox Brown]].]]
In the [[New Testament]] Jesus washes his disciples' feet prior to his crucifixion.<ref>John 13:1-17</ref> Joseph Smith published his own version of these New Testament passages, adding new materials which said, "Now this was the custom of the Jews under their law; wherefore, Jesus did this that the law might be fulfilled."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Joseph |title=JST, John 13:8–10 |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/jst/jst-john/13?lang=eng&id=10 |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Joseph |title=Joseph Smith Translation (JST) |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/joseph-smith-translation?lang=eng |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |date=July 1833}}</ref>

Cleansing rituals such as ''[[tevilah]]'' and ''[[netilat yadayim]]'' have existed in Judaism for millenia.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yonatan |first1=Adler |title=On the Origins of Tevilah (Ritual Immersion) |url=https://www.thetorah.com/article/on-the-origins-of-tevilah-ritual-immersion |publisher=TheTorah.com |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref> However, rabbinical scholars argue that these rituals served the purpose of removing impurity after activities that would make one "impure" such having contact with a corpse, or bodily discharge of a sick person.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yitzhaq |first1=Feder |title=Tum’ah: Ritual Impurity or Fear of Contagious Disease? |url=https://www.thetorah.com/article/tumah-ritual-impurity-or-fear-of-contagious-disease |publisher=TheTorah.com |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hayah |first1=Katz |title=Biblical Purification: Was It Immersion? |url=https://www.thetorah.com/article/biblical-purification-was-it-immersion |publisher=TheTorah.com |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Joseph |first1=Weinstein |title=Red Heifer: A Soap Ritual |url=https://www.thetorah.com/article/red-heifer-a-soap-ritual |publisher=TheTorah.com |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>

Smith's claim that the foot-washing was part of Jewish "law" is not supported by historical sources.

=== Kirtland Period ===
⚫
As the [[Latter Day Saints]] were completing their [[Kirtland Temple|first temple]] in [[Kirtland, Ohio]], founder Joseph Smith led many of the prominent male church members in a pre-endowment ritual patterned after similar washings and anointings described in the Bible.<ref name = buerger35>{{Harvtxt|Buerger|1987|p=35}}.</ref> This ritual took place over several days, beginning on 21 January 1836 in the attic of a printing office.<ref name = buerger35/>

These ritual meetings were opened by Joseph Smith praying, speaking, and even singing [[speaking in tongues|in tongues]].<ref name=minutes/> Each participant washed their own hands, faces, and feet with water. After this, Joseph "girded himself with a towel" and personally washed the feet of each participant, wiping them with the towel. When he reached his father [[Joseph Smith Sr.]], he asked his father for a blessing before he would wash his father's feet. Smith Sr. placed his hands upon Joseph's head, "pronouncing upon his head that he should continue in his Priests office untill Christ come."<ref name=minutes>{{cite web |last1=Fredrick G. |first1=Williams |title=Minutes, 22–23 January 1833 |url=https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/minutes-22-23-january-1833/1#full-transcript |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |date=January 1833}}</ref>

Soon after the temple's dedication on 27 March 1836, about 300 Latter Day Saint men participated in a further ritual [[Maundy (foot washing)|washing of feet]] and faces.<ref name = buerger35/>

=== Nauvoo Period ===
⚫
Several years later, after Latter Day Saints moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, Smith revised the washing and anointing rituals as part of the new [[Endowment (Mormonism)|Nauvoo endowment]].<ref name = buerger35/> On 4–5 May 1842, nine prominent male church members were inducted into this endowment ceremony in the upper story of Smith's store.<ref name = buerger35/> The first woman (Smith's first wife, [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma]]) was inducted into the endowment ceremony on 28 September 1843.


As the washings and anointings were practiced in Nauvoo, men and women were taken to separate rooms, where they disrobed and, when called upon, passed through a canvas curtain to enter a tub where they were washed from head to foot while words of blessing were recited.<ref name = ABVW>{{Harvtxt|Anderson|Bergera|Van Wagoner|2005}}.</ref> Then oil from a horn was poured over the head of the participant, usually by another officiator, while similar words were repeated.<ref name = ABVW/> As part of the ceremony, participants were ordained to become kings and queens in eternity.<ref name = ABVW/> Men performed the ritual for men, and women performed the ritual for women.<ref name = ABVW/> Also, as part of the ceremony, participants were given a new name and a [[temple garment|ritual undergarment]] in which symbolic marks were snipped into the fabric.<ref name = ABVW/><ref>{{Harvtxt|Buerger|1987|p=56}}.</ref>
As the washings and anointings were practiced in Nauvoo, men and women were taken to separate rooms, where they disrobed and, when called upon, passed through a canvas curtain to enter a tub where they were washed from head to foot while words of blessing were recited.<ref name = ABVW>{{Harvtxt|Anderson|Bergera|Van Wagoner|2005}}.</ref> Then oil from a horn was poured over the head of the participant, usually by another officiator, while similar words were repeated.<ref name = ABVW/> As part of the ceremony, participants were ordained to become kings and queens in eternity.<ref name = ABVW/> Men performed the ritual for men, and women performed the ritual for women.<ref name = ABVW/> Also, as part of the ceremony, participants were given a new name and a [[temple garment|ritual undergarment]] in which symbolic marks were snipped into the fabric.<ref name = ABVW/><ref>{{Harvtxt|Buerger|1987|p=56}}.</ref>


=== Early-Utah period ===
Originally, the recipient of the washing and anointing was naked during the ceremony.<!-- Needs citation --> Beginning in the 20th century, recipients were given a white [[poncho]]-like "shield" to wear during the washing and anointing. Since 2005, participants in the LDS Church-version of the ritual already come clothed in the temple garment and wear it during the washing and anointing. In the original version of the ceremony, water and oil were applied to various parts of the body by the officiator as specific blessings related to the body parts were mentioned; since the early-21st century, the water and oil are applied only to the head and the symbolic nature of the washing and anointing is emphasized as the blessings for the body parts are related.
After the Latter Day Saints left Nauvoo, women continued to administer washings and anointings in their homes as well as in temples. The in-home rituals were part of a practice of administering to the sick.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Newell |first=Linda King |date=December 1999 |title=A Gift Given: A Gift Taken Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women |url=https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/115-6-30-43.pdf |journal=[[Sunstone Magazine]] |issue=115 |pages=30–43}}</ref> These washings and anointings were encouraged by church leaders of the time including [[Brigham Young]].<ref name=":0" /> In one instance [[Ezra T. Benson]] called on women who were ordained to wash and anoint to get rid of a disease affecting the [[Cache Valley]].<ref name=":0" /> This practice of washing and anointing in the home was curtailed in the 1880s and by the April 1921 [[General Conference (LDS Church)|general conference]], the consensus was that [[Priesthood blessing|blessings performed]] by Melchizedek Priesthood holders should be sought whenever possible.<ref name=":0" /> In 1946, [[Joseph Fielding Smith]] sent a letter to [[Belle S. Spafford]] saying these washings and anointings were discouraged.<ref name=":0" />


==Use in LDS Female Healing Rituals==
==Purpose and administration==
Historically, Latter-day Saint women performed special washings and anointings to heal the sick and afflicted. [[Joseph Smith]] officially sanctioned female healing in 1842. This practice continued in the LDS Church until at least the 1940's. A sick person was washed, anointed with oil, and given a [[priesthood blessing]] by the "laying on of hands".<ref name=female_healing>{{cite journal |last1=Stapley |first1=Jonathan A. |last2=Wright |first2=Kristine |title=Female Ritual Healing in Mormonism |journal=Journal of Mormon History |volume=37 |issue=1 |page=1-85 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23291588 |access-date=16 July 2024}}</ref>
<!--
⚫
***DO NOT add material here unless it can be supported by a reliable source. (Review [[WP:RS]] for clarification. Personal websites and blogs are not permitted.)***
⚫
-->
⚫
Ritual anointings were a prominent part of religious rites in the biblical world. Recipients of the anointing included temple officiants (e.g., [[Aaron]]), prophets (e.g., [[Elisha]]), and kings (e.g., [[Jehu]], [[Solomon]]).<ref name = perry>{{harvtxt|Perry|1992}}.</ref> In addition, sacral objects associated with the Israelite sanctuary were anointed. Of equal importance in the religion of the Israelites were ablutions (ceremonial washings). To ensure religious purity, [[Mosaic law]] required that designated individuals receive a ritual washing, sometimes in preparation for entering the temple.<ref name = perry/>


One of the first recorded female healings took place at the [[Relief Society]] meeting on April 19, 1842. Sisters Sarah Cleveland and [[Elizabeth Ann Whitney]], who were councilors in the Relief Society Presidency, administered to Abigale Leonard "for the restoration of health." Minute notes also indicate that Sister Martha Sessions may have laid her hands on [[Eliza R. Snow]] to give her a blessing during this meeting.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Snow |first1=Eliza R |title=Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book |url=https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book/56 |website=Joseph Smith Paper |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=16 July 2024}}</ref>
⚫
The washings and anointings of the biblical period have a parallel today in the LDS Church. In response to a commandment to gather the saints and to build a house "to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings, and anointings",<ref>{{harvtxt|Smith|1938|p=308}}.</ref> these ordinances were introduced in the [[Kirtland Temple]] on January 21, 1836.<ref>{{harvtxt|Roberts|1904|pp=2:379–83}}; {{harvtxt|Buerger|2002}}.</ref> The rites are in many respects similar in purpose to ancient Israelite practice and to the washing of feet by Jesus among his disciples. These modern LDS rites are performed only in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes, according to a January 19, 1841 revelation said by [[Joseph Smith]] to be from [[Jesus Christ]].<ref>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124.37-38?lang=eng D&C 124:37–38].</ref>


In the following Relief Society meeting, on April 28th, 1842, Joseph Smith said that anyone who has faith can give [[priesthood blessing|priesthood blessings]] to heal the sick. Smith said that God had sanctioned female healing by the laying on of hands and that anyone who disagreed should "hold their tongues."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Snow |first1=Eliza R. |title=Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book |url=https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book/59 |website=Joseph Smith Papers |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=16 July 2024 |pages=35-37}}</ref>
⚫
The ordinances are "mostly symbolic in nature, but promising definite, immediate blessings as well as future blessings," contingent upon continued righteous living.<ref name = packer>{{Harvtxt|Packer|2007}}.</ref> Many symbolic meanings of washings and anointings are traceable in the scriptures. Ritual washings (Heb. 9:10) symbolize the cleansing of the soul from sins and iniquities. They signify the washing-away of the pollutions of the Lord's people (Isa. 4:4). Psalm 51:2 expresses the human longing and divine promise: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin".<ref name = perry/> The anointing of a person or object with sacred ointment represents sanctification and consecration, so that both become "most holy" unto the Lord.<ref>{{bibleref|Exodus|30:29}}</ref> In this manner, profane persons and things are sanctified in similitude of the ''messiah'' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] "anointed one"), who is ''Christ'' ([[Greek language|Greek]] "anointed one").<ref name = perry/>


[[Brigham Young]] and [[Ezra Taft Benson]] encouraged women to perform these healing rituals at home. However, by the April 1921 [[general conference (LDS)|general conference]] the consensus was that healings should only be performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders (who are exclusively male).<ref name=":0" />
The ordinances of washing and anointing are referred to often in the temple as "initiatory ordinances" since they precede the [[Endowment (LDS)|endowment]] and [[Sealing (Mormonism)|sealing]] ordinances.<ref name = perry/> In connection with the initiatory ordinances, one is also clothed in the [[Temple garment|garment]] in the temple.<ref name = packer/> Washings and anointings are also conducted on behalf of deceased individuals as a type of "[[wikt:vicarious|vicarious]] ordinance".<ref>{{harvtxt|Gaunt|1996}}.</ref>

In 1946, President [[Joseph Fielding Smith]] sent a letter to [[Belle S. Spafford]], the General Relief Society President at the time, discouraged the practice of female healing, indicating that it was likely still happening at this time.<ref name=":0" /> <ref name=female_healing/>

==Administration==
⚫
In response to a commandment to gather the saints and to build a house "to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings, and anointings",<ref>{{harvtxt|Smith|1938|p=308}}.</ref> these ordinances were introduced in the Kirtland Temple on January 21, 1836.<ref>{{harvtxt|Roberts|1904|pp=2:379–83}}; {{harvtxt|Buerger|2002}}.</ref> These modern rites are now only performed for LDS Church members in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes, according to a January 19, 1841 revelation that Joseph Smith stated was from Jesus Christ.<ref name=":3">[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124.37-38?lang=eng D&C 124:37–38].</ref>

== Symbolic interpretations ==<!--
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***DO NOT add material here unless it can be supported by a reliable source. (Review [[WP:RS]] for clarification. Personal websites and blogs are not permitted.)***
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⚫
Many symbolic meanings of washings and anointings are traceable in the scriptures. Ritual washings (Heb. 9:10) symbolize the cleansing of the soul from sins and iniquities. They signify the washing-away of the pollutions of the Lord's people (Isa. 4:4). Psalm 51:2 expresses the human longing and divine promise: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin".<ref name="perry" /> The anointing of a person or object with sacred ointment represents sanctification and consecration, so that both become "most holy" unto the Lord.<ref>{{bibleref|Exodus|30:29}}</ref> In this manner, profane persons and things are sanctified in similitude of the ''messiah'' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] "anointed one"), who is ''Christ'' ([[Greek language|Greek]] "anointed one").<ref name="perry" />


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Latter-day Saints}}
{{Portal|Latter-day Saints}}
* [[Anointed Quorum]]
* [[Anointed Quorum]]
* [[Anointing]]
* [[Chrism]]
* [[Chrism]]
* [[Chrismation]]
* [[Holy anointing oil]]
* [[Holy anointing oil]]
* [[Second anointing]]
* [[Second anointing]]
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|year = 1987
|year = 1987
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|url = http://content.lib.utah.edu/u?/dialogue,20139
|jstor = 45228107
|url-status = dead
|doi-access= free
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110613164041/http://content.lib.utah.edu/u/?%2Fdialogue%2C20139
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{{Refend}}

{{Latter-day Saints}}


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[[Category:1836 establishments in the United States]]
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[[Category:Latter Day Saint temple practices]]
[[Category:Latter Day Saint temple practices]]
[[Category:Latter Day Saint terms]]
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[[Category:Ritual purification]]
[[Category:Ritual purity in Christianity]]
[[Category:Ritual purity in Christianity]]
[[Category:Water and religion]]

Latest revision as of 16:11, 24 October 2024

One of ten washing and anointing rooms of the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints circa 1911.

Washing and anointing is a Latter-day Saint practice of ritual purification. It is a key part of the temple endowment ceremony as well as the controversial Second Anointing ceremony practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and Mormon fundamentalists. It was also part of the female-only healing rituals among Latter-day Saints until at least the 1940s.

In preparation for the temple endowment, a person, generally over the age of 18, is sprinkled with water, then anointed with perfume or oil as a cleansing before God.[1][2] Once washed and anointed, the participant is dressed in the temple garment, a symbolic white undergarment.[3] The ordinance performed by the authority of the Melchizedek priesthood, and by an officiator of the same sex as the participant,[4] is "mostly symbolic in nature, but promis[es] definite, immediate blessings as well as future blessings," contingent upon continued righteous living.[3] These ordinances of washing and anointing are referred to often in the temple as "initiatory ordinances" since they precede the endowment and sealing ordinances.[5]

Like other temple ordinances, washings and anointings are also conducted on behalf of deceased individuals as a type of "vicarious ordinance".[6]

The LDS Church states the origins of these rituals can be traced back to the biblical period, where anointings were used to sanctify individuals and objects, while washings were used for ritual purification.[2][5] The LDS Church introduced washings and anointings in the Kirtland Temple in 1836, before revising the rituals in Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842.[1] The modern LDS Church only performs these rites in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes according to a January 19, 1841 revelation that Joseph Smith stated was from Jesus Christ.[7]

Washing and anointing also plays a key role in the Second Anointing ritual practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which participants are anointed as a "priest and king" or a "priestess and queen", and are sealed to the highest degree of salvation in LDS theology.[8] This is the most secretive ritual practiced by Latter-day Saints, and most LDS adherents are unaware of the ritual's existence.[9]

History

[edit]

Old Testament Period

[edit]
Abraham Bloemaert, Ritual Washing of the Israelites, 1606, NGA 56692

Ritual anointings were a prominent part of religious rites in the biblical world. Recipients of the anointing included temple officiants (e.g., Aaron), prophets (e.g., Elisha), and kings (e.g., Jehu, Solomon).[5] In addition, sacral objects associated with the Israelite sanctuary were anointed. Of equal importance in the religion of the Israelites were ablutions (ceremonial washings). To ensure religious purity, Mosaic law required that designated individuals receive a ritual washing, sometimes in preparation for entering the temple.[5]

New Testament Period

[edit]
Jesus washing Peter's feet. Painted by Ford Madox Brown.

In the New Testament Jesus washes his disciples' feet prior to his crucifixion.[10] Joseph Smith published his own version of these New Testament passages, adding new materials which said, "Now this was the custom of the Jews under their law; wherefore, Jesus did this that the law might be fulfilled."[11][12]

Cleansing rituals such as tevilah and netilat yadayim have existed in Judaism for millenia.[13] However, rabbinical scholars argue that these rituals served the purpose of removing impurity after activities that would make one "impure" such having contact with a corpse, or bodily discharge of a sick person.[14][15][16]

Smith's claim that the foot-washing was part of Jewish "law" is not supported by historical sources.

Kirtland Period

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As the Latter Day Saints were completing their first temple in Kirtland, Ohio, founder Joseph Smith led many of the prominent male church members in a pre-endowment ritual patterned after similar washings and anointings described in the Bible.[1] This ritual took place over several days, beginning on 21 January 1836 in the attic of a printing office.[1]

These ritual meetings were opened by Joseph Smith praying, speaking, and even singing in tongues.[17] Each participant washed their own hands, faces, and feet with water. After this, Joseph "girded himself with a towel" and personally washed the feet of each participant, wiping them with the towel. When he reached his father Joseph Smith Sr., he asked his father for a blessing before he would wash his father's feet. Smith Sr. placed his hands upon Joseph's head, "pronouncing upon his head that he should continue in his Priests office untill Christ come."[17]

Soon after the temple's dedication on 27 March 1836, about 300 Latter Day Saint men participated in a further ritual washing of feet and faces.[1]

Nauvoo Period

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Several years later, after Latter Day Saints moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, Smith revised the washing and anointing rituals as part of the new Nauvoo endowment.[1] On 4–5 May 1842, nine prominent male church members were inducted into this endowment ceremony in the upper story of Smith's store.[1] The first woman (Smith's first wife, Emma) was inducted into the endowment ceremony on 28 September 1843.

As the washings and anointings were practiced in Nauvoo, men and women were taken to separate rooms, where they disrobed and, when called upon, passed through a canvas curtain to enter a tub where they were washed from head to foot while words of blessing were recited.[4] Then oil from a horn was poured over the head of the participant, usually by another officiator, while similar words were repeated.[4] As part of the ceremony, participants were ordained to become kings and queens in eternity.[4] Men performed the ritual for men, and women performed the ritual for women.[4] Also, as part of the ceremony, participants were given a new name and a ritual undergarment in which symbolic marks were snipped into the fabric.[4][18]

Early-Utah period

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After the Latter Day Saints left Nauvoo, women continued to administer washings and anointings in their homes as well as in temples. The in-home rituals were part of a practice of administering to the sick.[19] These washings and anointings were encouraged by church leaders of the time including Brigham Young.[19] In one instance Ezra T. Benson called on women who were ordained to wash and anoint to get rid of a disease affecting the Cache Valley.[19] This practice of washing and anointing in the home was curtailed in the 1880s and by the April 1921 general conference, the consensus was that blessings performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders should be sought whenever possible.[19] In 1946, Joseph Fielding Smith sent a letter to Belle S. Spafford saying these washings and anointings were discouraged.[19]

Use in LDS Female Healing Rituals

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Historically, Latter-day Saint women performed special washings and anointings to heal the sick and afflicted. Joseph Smith officially sanctioned female healing in 1842. This practice continued in the LDS Church until at least the 1940's. A sick person was washed, anointed with oil, and given a priesthood blessing by the "laying on of hands".[20]

One of the first recorded female healings took place at the Relief Society meeting on April 19, 1842. Sisters Sarah Cleveland and Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who were councilors in the Relief Society Presidency, administered to Abigale Leonard "for the restoration of health." Minute notes also indicate that Sister Martha Sessions may have laid her hands on Eliza R. Snow to give her a blessing during this meeting.[21]

In the following Relief Society meeting, on April 28th, 1842, Joseph Smith said that anyone who has faith can give priesthood blessings to heal the sick. Smith said that God had sanctioned female healing by the laying on of hands and that anyone who disagreed should "hold their tongues."[22]

Brigham Young and Ezra Taft Benson encouraged women to perform these healing rituals at home. However, by the April 1921 general conference the consensus was that healings should only be performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders (who are exclusively male).[19]

In 1946, President Joseph Fielding Smith sent a letter to Belle S. Spafford, the General Relief Society President at the time, discouraged the practice of female healing, indicating that it was likely still happening at this time.[19] [20]

Administration

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In response to a commandment to gather the saints and to build a house "to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings, and anointings",[23] these ordinances were introduced in the Kirtland Temple on January 21, 1836.[24] These modern rites are now only performed for LDS Church members in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes, according to a January 19, 1841 revelation that Joseph Smith stated was from Jesus Christ.[7]

Symbolic interpretations

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Many symbolic meanings of washings and anointings are traceable in the scriptures. Ritual washings (Heb. 9:10) symbolize the cleansing of the soul from sins and iniquities. They signify the washing-away of the pollutions of the Lord's people (Isa. 4:4). Psalm 51:2 expresses the human longing and divine promise: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin".[5] The anointing of a person or object with sacred ointment represents sanctification and consecration, so that both become "most holy" unto the Lord.[25] In this manner, profane persons and things are sanctified in similitude of the messiah (Hebrew "anointed one"), who is Christ (Greek "anointed one").[5]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Buerger (1987, p. 35).
  2. ^ a b John Christopher Thomas describes this Old Testament practice, “This cleansing from bodily uncleanness was a symbol of putting away of the filth of sin; the washing of the body therefore was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, without which no one can draw near to God..." Footwashing in the Old and New Testament, the Graeco Roman World, the Early Church, and the Liturgy, April 15, 2014
  3. ^ a b Packer (2007).
  4. ^ a b c d e f Anderson, Bergera & Van Wagoner (2005).
  5. ^ a b c d e f Perry (1992).
  6. ^ Gaunt (1996).
  7. ^ a b D&C 124:37–38.
  8. ^ Hammond, Elizabeth (November 2, 2015). "The Mormon Priestess: A Theology of Womanhood in the LDS Temple". Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0190248031.
  9. ^ Brooke, John L. (May 31, 1996). The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. p. 294. ISBN 978-0521565646. The frequency of second anointings declined after the turn of the century, and they were virtually eliminated under the authority of Heber J. Grant in the 1920s, to the point that modern Mormons are generally unaware of the rituals existence ....
  10. ^ John 13:1-17
  11. ^ Smith, Joseph. "JST, John 13:8–10". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  12. ^ Smith, Joseph (July 1833). "Joseph Smith Translation (JST)". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  13. ^ Yonatan, Adler. "On the Origins of Tevilah (Ritual Immersion)". TheTorah.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  14. ^ Yitzhaq, Feder. "Tum'ah: Ritual Impurity or Fear of Contagious Disease?". TheTorah.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  15. ^ Hayah, Katz. "Biblical Purification: Was It Immersion?". TheTorah.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  16. ^ Joseph, Weinstein. "Red Heifer: A Soap Ritual". TheTorah.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Fredrick G., Williams (January 1833). "Minutes, 22–23 January 1833". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  18. ^ Buerger (1987, p. 56).
  19. ^ a b c d e f g Newell, Linda King (December 1999). "A Gift Given: A Gift Taken Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women" (PDF). Sunstone Magazine (115): 30–43.
  20. ^ a b Stapley, Jonathan A.; Wright, Kristine. "Female Ritual Healing in Mormonism". Journal of Mormon History. 37 (1): 1-85. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  21. ^ Snow, Eliza R. "Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book". Joseph Smith Paper. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  22. ^ Snow, Eliza R. "Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book". Joseph Smith Papers. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. pp. 35–37. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  23. ^ Smith (1938, p. 308).
  24. ^ Roberts (1904, pp. 2:379–83); Buerger (2002).
  25. ^ Exodus 30:29

References

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