In the three cultures we have so far studied - Roman, Mediæval and Muslim, how did /does the garden play a role in their respective religions?

Question: In the three cultures we have so far studied - Roman, Mediæval and Muslim, how did /does the garden play a role in their respective religions?

All three cultures used gardens as a sort of ‘moral discipline’ and compass with respect to their religion—it was not only the presence and use of a garden that engaged the Romans, Medieval people and Muslims, but the construction and maintenance of their gardens also played an important role in the culture and religion of each of these peoples. All of these gardens displayed a similar structure and meaning from that structure-- asymmetric, enclosed garden separated into 4 quadrants via water canals or walkways with a water feature as a focal point.

Roman gardens were used for many things: their presence in one’s home was an indicator of wealth through the use of conspicuous consumption: having running water features and maintained gardens were not cheap (and this probably still remains a fact) so their very existence marked their location as a place of wealth. The garden was also a place of worship and disciplined refuge—statues of the appropriate gods and goddesses adorned the garden for prayer and tribute purposes. ‘Disciplined refuge’ refers to the idea that romans had that free time was not only just for laying about, but one could also structure their free time so that they participated in useful, productive leisure activities that they enjoyed (i.e. writing) to keep people entertained and sharp.

Medieval people used gardens in a similar manner to the Romans, but were especially more devout to their religion: gardens were seen as a place to get closer to God. Working in the garden was an act of humility or modesty meant to bring one closer to God by laboring in a way that was both productive and beautiful.

The use and construction of Islamic gardens of by people of the Muslim faith was almost a blend of Roman and Medieval motivations. Muslim followers believed that because God loved beauty, constructing beautiful things (everything from a chalice to an extensive garden) brought God pleasure and thus brought one closer to God.