Editing Cathedral (section)

===Symbolic functions of the building===<!---NOTE: Do not edit this heading down to just cathedral. This is specifically about the "building"--->
The cathedral is frequently the most imposing building, and one of the most ancient buildings in its town. The great size and splendor of the cathedral may be out of all proportion to the town itself. The money and talents expended on the building are seen as honoring God, and may also demonstrate both the devotion and the status of the patrons.

Cathedrals are very often oriented east/west, so that the worshipers look towards the rising sun, symbolizing the Risen Christ. The [[architectural form]] of the building most frequently has the ground plan of a cross. This form is both functional and symbolic, its symbolism referring to the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The form is liturgically functional as it allows the building to be divided into sections where different activities take place, or that are occupied by different people, such as the clergy, the choir and the laity.
[[File:StMarys Cathedral Sydney.JPG|thumb|left|[[St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney]] has a typical cruciform plan.]]
The main body of the building, making the longer arm of the cross, is called the [[nave]], and is where worshipers congregate; the term is from the Latin word for ship. The cathedral is symbolically a ship bearing the people of God through the storms of life.<ref>[[W. H. Auden]], ''"Cathedrals, Luxury liners laden with souls, Holding to the East their hulls of stone"''</ref> The nave is also used for major processions, which gather or enter at the furthest door (liturgically generally called the West Door). The aisles on each side of the nave facilitate the movement of people within the building, without disrupting worshipers in the central space.

The arms of the cross are called the [[transepts]] and often contain a number of chapels. Farthest from the main entry is the ''sanctuary'' where the [[Blessed Sacrament]] is laid on the altar or communion table for the consecration. "Sanctuary" means "Holy Place". The word has passed into modern English with an altered meaning because traditionally a criminal who could gain access to this area without capture was thereby given the sanctuary of the church.

Cathedral buildings of the Western European tradition symbolize the progression of the Christian soul towards [[Salvation]]. Many cathedrals of Eastern European tradition are centrally planned. These churches are almost always domed. The symbolism in these cathedral structures is of the hierarchy of [[Earth]] and [[Heaven]], and often reveals its meaning through the internal decoration of the building with frescoes or mosaics.