RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES OF NATIVE AMERICAN PEOPLES: ORIGINS, TRADITIONS, FEATURES

Abstract

The article examines the rituals of the indigenous peoples of America as the most important component of the religious life of adherents of traditional faiths in this part of the world. The issues of the emergence and development of religious ceremonies are analyzed. Numerous examples show the variety of sacred rituals. It is noted that the activities and heritage of adherents of American religions are important material for studying the culture of this ancient civilization. The most visited religious sites are distinguished: sacred temples, burial places, natural sanctuaries. It is indicated that for millions of believers, festive ceremonies, initiations were of particular importance, and a reverent attitude towards the object of worship was associated with the accumulation of grace and special reverence for certain gods and spirits. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of the religious rites of the indigenous peoples of America, to show the influence of historical, geographical, and cultural factors on their formation. This work can be useful for studying the issues of the development of American civilizations.