Obscure Cultural Practices Around the World
1. Headhunting
Headhunting is the practice of taking the head of a defeated enemy as a trophy. It has been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In some cultures, headhunting was believed to bring good luck or to ensure the fertility of the land.
2. Human sacrifice
Human sacrifice is the ritual killing of a human being. It has been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, and the Andes. In some cultures, human sacrifice was believed to appease the gods or to ensure the fertility of the land.
3. Cannibalism
Cannibalism is the practice of eating human flesh. It has been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in Polynesia, Africa, and the Americas. In some cultures, cannibalism was believed to be a way to acquire the strength or power of the person who was eaten.
4. Ritual scarification
Ritual scarification is the practice of making cuts or incisions in the skin for religious or cultural reasons. It has been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In some cultures, ritual scarification is believed to bring good luck, protection, or beauty.
5. Initiation rites
Initiation rites are rituals that mark a person’s transition from one stage of life to another. They are often associated with puberty, marriage, or death. Initiation rites have been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In some cultures, initiation rites are believed to prepare a person for the challenges of adulthood or to ensure their safe passage into the afterlife.
6. Spirit possession
Spirit possession is the belief that a person’s body can be taken over by a spirit. It has been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In some cultures, spirit possession is believed to be a way for the gods or spirits to communicate with humans.
7. Divination
Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. It has been practiced in various cultures around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In some cultures, divination is believed to be a way to find out about the will of the gods or spirits, or to predict the outcome of an event.
8. Shamans
Shamans are religious practitioners who use supernatural means to heal the sick, communicate with the gods or spirits, and predict the future. Shamans have been found in various cultures around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In some cultures, shamans are believed to have special powers that allow them to interact with the spirit world.
Why Study Obscure Cultural Practices?
Obscure cultural practices can offer us a glimpse into the beliefs and values of other cultures. They can also help us to understand the human condition and the ways in which people have coped with the challenges of life. By studying obscure cultural practices, we can learn about the diversity of human experience and the ways in which people have found meaning and purpose in their lives.
How to Learn More About Obscure Cultural Practices
There are a number of ways to learn more about obscure cultural practices. You can read books and articles about the subject, watch documentaries, or visit museums and cultural centers. You can also talk to people who have first-hand experience of these practices.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
This paper provides an overview of some important considerations in relation to culturally competent culturally curious and childfocused practices when engaging with children and parents1 from refugee and migrant communities2This webinar focuses on practice skills for working with parents who have concerns about their childs mental health and wellbeing and exploring those concerns through conversation Research summary Highlights in child mental health research August 2023 Prepared by AIFSWhat is culture In 1951 Kluckhohn explained culture as sharing a pattern of thinking feeling reacting and problemsolving Culture is a dynamic relational process of shared meanings that originate in the interactions between individuals CarpenterSong Schwallie amp Longhofer 2007Developing More Curious Minds
John F Barell Published 1 August 2003 Education Introduction The ability to pose good questions when confronted with complex situations contributes to our growing up to living our lives to the fullest potential The whole art of teaching is only the art of awaking the natural curiosity of young Minds for the 81 of cultural practitioners said they had increased their ability to implement cultural education I have put forward my ideas about how I feel our organisation should adapt our approach to working with schools These have been listened to and implementedCultural awareness training for health professionals is now commonplace across a variety of sectors Its popularity has spawned several alternatives ie cultural competence cultural safety cultural humility cultural intelligence and
overlapping derivatives diversity training antiracism training microaggression training The everincreasing reach of cultural awareness initiatives A Practice to Cultivate a Curious Mind 1 First find a quiet comfortable place where you wont be distracted You can be sitting lying down or even standing up 2 Recall your most recent runin with a habitual pattern See if you can remember the scene and focus in on the habitual behavior itselfThemes that emerge through creation stories include life lessons shared understandings about peoples ancestors and landscapes and the experience of reclaiming Indigenous culture following colonial trauma Creation Stories Explore how creation stories are key to the endurance of Indigenous worldviews Choose one of the following creation
- The Encyclopedia of Obscure Beliefs and Practices
- The World Atlas of Shamanism
- The Anthropology of Religion
- The History of Religion
- The Museum of Obscure Things
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Obscure cultural practices can be fascinating and thought-provoking. They can also be a source of great learning and understanding. By studying these practices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the ways in which people have found meaning and purpose in their lives.