Benediction

In religion, a blessing (also used to refer to the bestowing of one) is the impartation grace, holiness, spiritual redemption, or divine will upon a person, object, or endeavor. It can be nonverbal or verbal, and entails various components: the act, its content, the means, the bestower, and the receiver. In Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, God is recognized as the source of all blessing. The scriptural roots of blessings trace back to the Book of Genesis. Blessings are expressed through mediums such as priestly benedictions or expressions of gratitude. In Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, blessings can be tied to devotional concepts such as the ritual arti, or received from spiritual persons such as a Buddha or bodhisattva, or a Guru. Outside religion, blessings serve broad social and cultural functions. These include cultural greetings, wishes from elders, and everyday expressions of goodwill.