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Other Beliefs and Ceremonies
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 | | For dance festivals, Aborigines wear ceremonial body paint, as they have done for thousands of years. |
The world has many religions, and some of them are very ancient. Many African peoples believe in a spirit world, in gods of nature, and in honouring ancestors. Some hold beautiful festivals with dancing and masks. The Aboriginal peoples of Australia recall a 'dreamtime', when the spirits of creation were let loose upon the Earth. They hold certain animals and places sacred.
The Jains of India will harm no living thing, even insects. The Parsees of India follow the teachings of the Persian prophet Zoroaster, who lived over 2,500 years ago. Zoroaster saw life as a struggle between the god of goodness and light and the god of violence and death.
In China, Buddhism is mixed with the beliefs of Taoism and Confucianism, which teaches social harmony and respect for one's ancestors. In Japan, Buddhism exists side by side with the Shinto religion, which teaches purity and the worship of the forces of nature.
All these religions have their own ceremonies, rituals, and festivals. Many of them are similar. It seems that most people love dance, music, fire and light, chanting, and wearing masks, paint or robes.
Some people believe that all religious festivals and ceremonies are different paths to the same 'truth'. Even people who are atheists (not believing in any god at all) enjoy festivals and fun.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
Festivals
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Section:
Festivals
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Chapter:
Other Beliefs
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