Pearly gates
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pearly gates, in Christian beliefs, is an informal name for the gateway to Heaven, inspired by the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:21— The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate being made from a single pearl.
The image of the gates in popular culture is a set of large, white, wrought-iron gates in the clouds, guarded by Saint Peter. Those not fit to enter heaven are denied entrance at the gates, and thus descend into Hell. In most forms of Christianity, Saint Peter calls you on the sins you have committed on Earth. In a satirical view, Saint Peter will pull a lever and the cloud drops out from underneath you as a flush is heard.
| Concepts of Heaven | |
|---|---|
| Judeo-Christian | Kingdom of God | Garden of Eden · Paradise | New Jerusalem |
| Islamic | Jannah | Houri | Sidrat al-Muntaha |
| Mormon | Celestial Kingdom | Spirit world |
| Ancient Greek | Elysium | Empyrean | Hesperides |
| Celtic | Annwn | Tír na nÓg | Mag Mell |
| Norse | Valhalla | Asgard |
| Other Indo-European cultures | Paradise | Olam Haba | Svarga | Aaru | The Summerland | Myth of Er | Fortunate Isles |
| Related concepts | Nirvana | Millennialism | Utopianism | Golden Age | Arcadia | Pearly gates |
