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(2016
midterm assignment) Sample Student Midterm Answers 2016 (index to #2 samples) #2b: Short Essay (Favorite Term) |
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Albert Salazar
Syncretism—The Blending of Traditions
Syncretism is the blending of two or more religious traditions,
especially through symbols and narratives. Syncretism comes naturally to
religions that wish to spread across the globe. We see examples of successful
syncretism in some of the most popular holidays, such as Easter and the use of
rabbits and eggs as symbols for spring, even though it has nothing to do with
the resurrection of Christ. Syncretism is a way for religions to embed
themselves into competing cultures in order to remain relevant.
In
The Story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, we see signs of syncretism when Juan Diego
says to himself, “By fortune, am I worthy of what I hear?
Maybe I dream?
Am I awakening? Where am I?
Perhaps I am now in the terrestrial paradise which our
elders had told us about? Perhaps I am now in heaven?”
Juan Diego, now a Christian, is still referring back to the tales passed down to
him by his elders. We know that the story occurs only 10 years after the arrival
of the Spanish, so it is safe to assume that Indian traditions are still in the
minds of the population. Furthermore, the fact that Juan Diego is a native who
has adopted the religion of the new culture means that he is a bridge between
the Spanish and the Indians.
Another example where syncretism brings together Indian and European beliefs
comes with the Iroquois creation story. The version of this story that caught my
eye was the one that was recorded in 1816 by John Norton, son of Scottish and
Cherokee parents. After many years of European influence, the creation story of
the Iroquois began to show some similarities with some of the stories from the
bible.
One
similarity is the two brothers that can be compared to Cain and Abel where the
evil brother commits the first murder—except in the Iroquois story he causes the
death of the mother and not his brother. Also note that the wicked brother,
Tawiskaron, or
Flinty rock,
was called that because his body was entirely covered with such a substance. The
flint rock skin was present in other versions of the story but the connection
can be made to Cain being cursed by God.
The country above the sky, inhabited by Superior Beings, over whom the
Great Spirit presided is reminiscent of the garden of eve in the book of
Genesis. This is further evidenced by the Great Spirit casting his own daughter
out paradise. Even though these connections could be unintentional, it is not
unimaginable that John Norton, someone who is half Cherokee could have been
influenced by his Scottish side when recanting this story. The blending of
traditional tales can make it hard for us to find historical accuracy. However,
it is because of the blending that may have allowed the traditions of the
natives to survive since they did not have a way to preserve their history.
