Shared Customs, Values, and Beliefs Presentations
When we examine different cultures, at first glance they can seem quite different, but the more we learn, the more similarities we can see. While cultures might express themselves differently, they share similar customs, values, and beliefs.
For this assignment, you will select a unique society (i.e., the cultural groups, national groups, and/or political groups) or religion. Once a society or religion is chosen, you will prepare a booklet comparing three customs, values, and beliefs that are shared across the societies/religions you selected. Refer to the list of examples below for ideas.
Examples of Customs, Values, and Beliefs:
Creation myths
The female divine
The male divine
Trickster myths
Sacred places
Ancestor worship
The flood narrative
Contemplative or ascetic traditions
Mandate of heaven vs. divine right of kings
Emperor worship
Saints, prophets, and holy men
Marriage traditions
Kinship systems
Approach to law and justice
Ritual sacrifice
Belief in afterlife/death rituals
Healing/medicine
Military technology
Popular entertainment
Taboos
Food
Agricultural practices
Pets
Clothing
Entertainment
Courting rituals/practices
booklet should include the following components:
Define the custom, value, or belief.
Compare and contrast the custom, value, and/or belief across two (or three) societies/religions.
Show how the custom, value, and/or belief influenced your selected societies/religions.
Provide three to five appropriately cited and referenced primary sources (in this case, documents created by the selected societies/religions to illustrate the concepts). The reference list must be included at the end of your booklet
Custom: Marriage traditions
Definition: Marriage traditions are the customs and rituals associated with marriage in a particular society. They can include everything from the way couples meet and court to the wedding ceremony itself and the expectations for married couples.
Comparison and contrast:
- Ancient Greece: Marriage in ancient Greece was a social and economic arrangement, and it was typically arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. The wedding ceremony was a simple affair, and it was followed by a feast. After the wedding, the bride moved into the groom's household, and she was expected to bear children and manage the household.
- Christianity: Christian marriage is a sacrament, and it is seen as a holy union between one man and one woman. The wedding ceremony is typically performed by a priest or minister, and it includes vows of love, fidelity, and obedience. After the wedding, the couple is expected to build a life together, raise a family, and serve God.
- Islam: Islamic marriage is a contract between a man and a woman, and it is witnessed by two Muslim witnesses. The wedding ceremony is typically simple and straightforward, and it includes the groom giving the bride a mahr (dowry). After the wedding, the couple is expected to build a life together, raise a family, and live according to Islamic teachings.
- Odyssey by Homer (ancient Greece)
- Bible (Christianity)
- Quran (Islam)
- Ancient Greece: Compassion was an important value in ancient Greece, and it was often associated with the gods and goddesses. For example, the goddess Demeter was known for her compassion for her daughter Persephone. Compassion was also seen as an important virtue for individuals, and it was encouraged by philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato.
- Christianity: Compassion is a central value in Christianity, and it is taught by Jesus in the Gospels. For example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches that we should have compassion for all people, even those who are different from us. Compassion is also seen as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and it is encouraged for all Christians to strive for.
- Islam: Compassion is also an important value in Islam, and it is emphasized in the Quran. For example, the Quran states that "Allah is the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful." Muslims are encouraged to show compassion to all people, regardless of their race, religion, or social status.
- Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle (ancient Greece)
- Gospel of Matthew (Christianity)
- Quran (Islam)
- Ancient Greece: Ancient Greeks believed in a variety of different afterlifes. Some believed in a place called Hades, where the dead went to live after death. Others believed in reincarnation, where the soul would be reborn into a new body after death.
- Christianity: Christians believe in an afterlife where the soul will be judged after death. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will go to heaven, while those who have rejected Him will go to hell.
- Islam: Muslims believe in an afterlife where the soul will be judged after death. Those who have lived a good and righteous life will go to heaven, while those who have lived a bad life will go to hell.