A Comparative Study of Ancestor Worship in Africa and Pre-Qin China
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/d7vgrm44Keywords:
Ancestor Worship, African Religion, Pre-Qin China, Comparative StudyAbstract
This paper conducts a comparative study of ancestor worship systems in Africa and pre-Qin China. Through in-depth analysis of the belief systems, ritual practices, social functions, and historical evolution of ancestor worship in these two cultural contexts, it is found that despite significant regional and cultural differences, ancestor worship in both Africa and pre-Qin China played similar core roles in maintaining social order and strengthening cultural identity. The study reveals that African ancestor worship exhibited a stronger pragmatic tendency and practical interactivity, while pre-Qin Chinese ancestor worship was institutionalized and formalized into rituals earlier, becoming an important source of legitimacy for political power. This comparison not only helps to understand the commonalities of early human religious thought but also provides a new perspective for cross-cultural studies.
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