Ancestor+Worship

Ancestor worship is a belief that occurred in ancient cultures around the world, and also plays a role in some minority religions today. Ancestor worship's central belief is that the ancestors are able to influence the lives of their descendants, by either cursing or blessing them- and the practice is formulated on both respect for the dead and fear for them. Peoples such as the ancient Chinese and Egyptians are some of the cultures that used to practice this by praying, presenting gifts to, and making offerings to their ancestors. In China, the idea of ancestor worship began with the Shang Dynasty, who made offerings to their dead king and his relatives. They believed that worshipping the king could keep the gods happy, and influence them to protect future generations. As this practice evolved during the Zhou Dynasty to include all families, ancestor worship was a way of continuing the family as well as recognition and respect for the elders. For China, ancestor worship was a family affair, often held in the household and in temples with prayers. Specifically in China, ancestor worship is not something based on fear but on a continuance of respect and honor for the elders that have gone before them. China eventually spread this practice to conquered areas, including Vietnam.

Created by Rachel Mitchell on 8/30/08 Edited by Becca Ellison on 9/2/2008 Edited by Stacy Fairey on 9/3/08

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/ancestor_worship.html

http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/ancestor_worship.html

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