Definition

Noun: * The religious practice of venerating deceased ancestors: This term refers to a system of beliefs and rituals centered on honoring and appeasing the spirits of one's forebears. It is based on the idea that the deceased continue to exist and can influence the fortunes of the living, requiring respect and offerings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ancestor worship is a fundamental aspect of many traditional cultures around the world.
  • The family altar was maintained for the purpose of ancestor worship.
  • Practices of ancestor worship often involve making offerings of food and incense.

Advanced Usage

• "to practice ancestor worship": To engage in the rituals and observances associated with venerating ancestors.
  • Many families in the region continue to practice ancestor worship during important festivals.

Variants and Related Words

• Veneration (n): The act of showing great respect and reverence. While broader than ancestor worship, it is a core component of it.
  • The veneration of elders is closely tied to concepts of ancestor worship.
• Ancestral (adj): Relating to or inherited from ancestors.
  • They returned to their ancestral village to perform the rites.

Synonyms

• Filial piety: (Especially in Confucian contexts) A virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors.
• Manes: (In Roman religion) The spirits of the dead, often honored in household rituals.

Related Phrases

• Ancestor veneration: Often used interchangeably with "ancestor worship," though some scholars use "veneration" to imply respect rather than deification.
  • The tradition is more accurately described as ancestor veneration.

Related Concepts

• Cult of the dead: A broader term for religious practices focused on the deceased, which can include but is not limited to ancestor worship.
• Libation: A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering, commonly performed in ancestor worship ceremonies.

Noun

1. worship of ancestors