Household deity

A household deity is a deity or spirit that protects the home, looking after the entire household or certain key members. It has been a common belief in paganism as well as in folklore across many parts of the world.

Household deities were usually worshiped in the home, where they would be represented by small idols (such as the teraphim in the Bible), amulets, paintings, or reliefs. They could also be found on domestic objects, such as cosmetic articles in the case of Tawaret. The more prosperous houses might have a small shrine to the household gods, for example the lararium in ancient Rome. The gods would be treated as members of the family and invited to join in meals or be given offerings of food and drink.