Gahana & Peru presentation

GAHANA

Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions claim a roughly equal number of adherents. Christians and Muslims, however, often follow some forms of indigenous practice, especially in areas that do not directly conflict with orthodox belief. Many Christians in Ghana adhere to the traditiona; celebration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, but traditional supernatural belief differs according to ethnic group. Akan religion acknowledges many spiritual beings, incluiding the supreme being, earth goddess, the higher gods, and the ancestors. The ancestors are perhaps the most significant spiritual force. Each lineage reveres its important deceased members both individually and collectively. They are believed to exist in the afterlife and benefit or punish their descendants, who must pray and sacrifice to them and lead virtuous lives.

PERU

Peru prides itself on being a Catholic country since the late 1500’s. At present, about 90 percent of the population are Catholics while the other 10 percent belong to Protestant faiths, the most important being Evangelists, Adventists, and Mormons. On November 1st & 2nd, Peruvians celebrate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. On these days, which are dedicated to the memory of the dead, Peruvians tend to attend Mass and then in coastal communities, head to the cemetery, bringing flowers and in the highlands, food to share symbolically with the souls of the dead. The worship of the dead was a common and respected custom during pre-Hispanic times in Peru, and part of that tradition, combined with Christian elements, still lives on today.

SWEDEN

Strictly speaking, All Saints Day occurs on November 1, but for practical reasons has been celebrated on that Saturday which falls between October 31 and November 6. Within each graveyard in Sweden, one can see the flame of candle lanterns, enlightening the November darkness. This custom has grown more pronounced during the late twentieth century and many families assemble for a common meal. In the old traditions of Sweden, All Saints Day was seen as the beginning of winter and a day to celebrate Christian Saints and martyrs. Today, Swedish people have a memorial service for those who have died in the previous year. Candles are usually lit for each of the deceased, and hymns are sung.