Syncretism

Last class, we discussed syncretism: the reconciliation/blending of different ideas between cultures. Not to be confused with cultural diffusion, syncretism is most often recognizable in religion and holidays. For example, Christmas. It's date was a compromise between Pagean and Christian leaders, and was celebrated on the Pagean winter solstice. Even today, many Americans are "expected" to celebrate Christmas and recognize it as a major holiday. Similarly is the Pagean holiday of Halloween, which has gone from a day of Satanic worship to one in which is it odd if we don't dress up or leave candy for trick- or-treaters. And coming back to Christian holidays are those of Valentine's and St. Patrick's Day. Although both of these hlidays are used to recognize Saints, they have syncretised into our society so much that everyone celebrates them, even if you aren't Christian. This discussion of religion and syncretism went right along with our weekend's homework, which was a reading on how Buddhism adapted to China and it's culture. Continuously spreading through trade, Buddhism became accepted when it allied with China's other religions and was used as a kind of state-religion when Buddhist emporers ruled. Whether being discussed through Christianity or Buddhism, syncretism is recognizable in all religions all throughout world history.