Syncretism

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

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.com

Hachiman

• Japanese mythology• God of archery and war• Incorporating elements of

Shinto and Buddhism• Also worshiped by

peasants as god of agriculture

• Fused elements of kami worship he became Great Bodhisattva in 8th century

Two types to consider

Syncretism from AboveSyncretism from Below

o The conscious decisions of religious authorities to incorporate native elements in their attempt to bring new adherents into the fold.

o The powerful will use the existing and indigenous beliefs to their advantage to aid in the spread of the powerfulsí belief system

o The ways in which people incorporate elements from other religions more or less spontaneously.

o Sometimes consciously other times not

o Usually there is a power dynamic with the less powerful encountering a more powerful group

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 elements

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 populations

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 there• Juan 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 saint• Church commended the worship (of the Virgin )• A shift in worship away from Tonantzin

“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--1987

Yoruba from Nigeria

• Many sold into slavery and traded to Caribbean• Carried with them intricate systems of worship/focused on

Orisha• Orisha acted as intermediaries between people and

supreme god• Required 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 Santeria

Santaria items