Thai Buddhism involves daily rituals and collective acts of worship, unlike the individual-focused emphasis on meditation often found in Western Buddhist communities.
Articles on Rituals
Displaying 1 - 20 of 107 articles
A new study shows the cave was only used for very special purposes.
Research on social bonding suggests that common traditions can foster connection not only within communities but also across cultural and religious boundaries.
Swasthani holds a central place in Nepali culture. Its female characters uphold ideals of faithful wifehood – seen by some as patriarchal and by others as a source of strength.
In 1912, a young Black woman’s supposed religious beliefs were quickly blamed to make sense of a terrifying crime spree.
Grief can inspire concrete acts of loyalty and generosity.
An ancient cremation would have been a community spectacle in a place returned to and reignited over many generations. What was behind this unexpected funeral ritual?
Roman author Pliny the Elder wrote that ‘There are two liquids that are especially agreeable to the human body: wine inside and oil outside.’
As Japan’s national sport, sumo has shaped perceptions of its culture since the mid-1800s.
The custom of mailing printed Christmas cards in the 19th century was a product of the industrial revolution. It was influenced by older British holiday traditions − some entirely fictional.
The festive season can evoke feelings of loss or sadness, especially when holiday messaging focuses on being together.
The Aztecs deliberated on how to continue their traditions and preserve their group identity following the Spanish invasion.
Rituals can function as a source of strength for soldiers, providing a sense of confidence and security.
A scholar explains why some people see their vinyl records as a sacred collection.
Many believe the Shroud of Turin to be the cloth used to bury Jesus after his crucifixion. Scientists have investigated the claim and here’s what they found.
Religious studies scholars have long observed similarities between sport and religion. Namely, that both offer strong emotions and connections with others.
Many in Nepal are protesting to bring back the Hindu monarchy, which was dissolved in 2008. A scholar of South Asian religions explains what’s behind these protests.
The psychotropic allure of the ayahuasca plant for hundreds of thousands of non-Indigenous consciousness seekers is raising many concerns.
Setting off fireworks at home was as much a pandemic trend as buying a Peloton.
A historian of astronomy writes about the role of astronomical events in Indigenous cultures − and also the exploitation of their sacred traditions in present times.
Top contributors
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Associate Professor of Anthropology and Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
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Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Jewish Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
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Professor of History, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies Research Center, Brandeis University
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Professor of Public Theology and Director of The Bernardin Center, Catholic Theological Union
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Professor and Chair of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis, University of Southern California
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Associate Teaching Professor Religious Studies, University of Tennessee
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Assistant Professor in Philosophy and Religious Studies, Texas State University
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Visiting Lecturer in Anthropology, Wellesley College
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Professor of Religious Studies and Cinema and Media Studies, by special appointment, Hamilton College
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Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Professor of Classical Studies, Brandeis University
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University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
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Professor of Anthropology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences