The east, in Scriptural language, was symbolically considered the more immediate residence of the Almighty, and has been emphatically alluded to in every age, although turning to the east savors, in some degree, of Catholicism, and even in the present day is one of the rites of that form of religion. The sun rises in the east, and the prophets of old always turned their faces in that direction when engaged in their devotions.

A brilliant star appeared in the east at the birth of the Messiah. Balaam, Cyrus, and the Magi came from the east. It may be considered merely a sort of devotional piety commanded to be observed by the canon law. The Christian churches were anciently built due east and west; and in the early period of Christianity it was usual in Poland, Lithuania, and many other countries, when the creeds were read, for the nobility to rise up and stand facing the east, with their swords drawn, thereby intimating that they were ready, if necessary, to seal the truth of their belief with their blood and life.