Washing feet is a sign of hospitality and humility. In the New Testament, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an act of service, a reversal of hierarchy that elevated compassion over status.

Feet carry immense symbolic weight. The “Paduka” (sacred sandals) of gods or gurus are worshipped as vessels of divine presence. To bow and touch the feet of a teacher, elder, or deity is to draw in blessings. In Hinduism.

Early followers of the Buddha worshipped his footprints carved into stone, known as Buddhapada, long before sculpted images of his form appeared. His feet carried the Dharma across the world.

In Egypt... Servants and priests often washed the feet of pharaohs and high-borns as both ritual cleansing and a sign of respect. Anointing with oils was part of this tradition.

In Sumeria and Mesopotamia , Feet were seen as the humblest part of the body, always touching the earth, carrying burdens. To touch or kiss someone’s feet was to bow before their spirit, acknowledging their higher station. In hymns to Inanna and other deities, worshippers described themselves as “kneeling at her holy feet". 😘