As defined The combination of different forms of belief or practice MarriamWebster Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief as in philosophy or religion especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous The American Heritage Dictionary ID: 562628
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SyncretismSlide2
As defined
“The combination of different forms of belief or practice” Marriam-Webster
“Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous.” The American Heritage Dictionary
“The combining of different (often contradictory) beliefs, often while melding practices of various schools of thought.” Wikipedia
The mixing of two or more religions that creates unique rituals, artwork and beliefs
www.amyglenn.comSlide3Slide4
Hachiman
Japanese mythologyGod of archery and war
Incorporating elements of Shinto and BuddhismAlso worshiped by peasants as god of agricultureFused elements of kami worship he became Great Bodhisattva in 8th centurySlide5
Two types to consider
Syncretism from Above
Syncretism from Below
The conscious decisions of religious authorities to incorporate native elements in their attempt to bring new adherents into the fold.
The powerful will use the existing and indigenous beliefs to their advantage to aid in the spread of the powerfulsí belief system
The ways in which people incorporate elements from other religions more or less spontaneously.
Sometimes consciously other times not
Usually there is a power dynamic with the less powerful encountering a more powerful groupSlide6
Mosque in Cordoba, Spain
The epitome of syncretism in the Islamic World. An historic church (built by Visigoths)
The mosque in Cordoba, Spain
-originally a church built by Visigoths--the Moors purchased it after conquest
--became a grand mosque for Muslim state of Al-Andalus in Spain
--elements of both Christianity and Islam are still evident
--cathedral bells + direction of Mecca on one of walls
Architecture mixes Moorish/European elementsSlide7
Roman Catholicism in the Atlantic World
Worked both from the top down and from the bottom up.
Indigenous populations and African Populations interacted with Roman Catholicism in new ways.
Top down efforts were led by the Jesuits in efforts to sustain and convert native populationsSlide8
The Virgin of Guadalupe
After Spanish conquest (1519-21) a temple to mother-goddess Tonantzin was destroyed (outside Mexico City)
A chapel dedicated to Virgin Mary was built thereJuan Diego saw an apparition on the slopes and a vision of a girl--she was said to perform miracles and created an image
Early accounts were recorded in native language (Nahuatl)Juan Diego named a saintChurch commended the worship (of the Virgin )A shift in worship away from TonantzinSlide9
“The early encounter between your traditional cultures and the European way of life was a harsh and painful reality for your peoples . . . I encourage you, as Native people . . . to preserve and keep alive your cultures, your languages, the values and customs which have served you well in the past and which provide a solid foundation for the future . . . These things benefit not only yourselves but the entire human family. This sharing of cultural riches must include the Church native cultures are called to participate in and enhance
.”
Pope John Paul II--1987Slide10
Yoruba from Nigeria
Many sold into slavery and traded to Caribbean
Carried with them intricate systems of worship/focused on OrishaOrisha acted as intermediaries between people and supreme godRequired to be baptized as Catholics if slaves
The veneration of Catholic saints acted as a bridge between the two belief systems.
Saints= rishas
Feast days were shifted
Yoruba adapted the necessary superficial practices to maintain their own beliefs
Became known as SanteriaSlide11
Santaria itemsSlide12Slide13