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The Modification of Traditional and Religious Rituals and Its Impact on the Adherents in Modern Malawi
Mlenga, Joyce (2024): The Modification of Traditional and Religious Rituals and Its Impact on the Adherents in Modern Malawi, in: Louis Ndekha, Judith Bachmann, Rhodian Munyenyembe, u. a. (Hrsg.), African Traditional Religions Revisited : Dynamics in Indigenous Religions in 21st Century Africa ; Essays in Honour of Monsignor Professor Joseph Chaphadzika Chakanza, Bamberg: University of Bamberg Press, S. 109–130, doi: 10.20378/irb-106012.
Author:
Title of the compilation:
African Traditional Religions Revisited : Dynamics in Indigenous Religions in 21st Century Africa ; Essays in Honour of Monsignor Professor Joseph Chaphadzika Chakanza
Publisher Information:
Year of publication:
2024
Pages:
ISBN:
978-3-98989-030-5
Language:
English
DOI:
Abstract:
There has been an increasing trend of modification of traditional and religious rituals, which has led to a remarkable impact on the adherents of the rituals in Malawi. Therefore, the modification has raised questions about the authenticity, purpose and meaning of these modified rituals. This chapter seeks to examine these modifications occurring in traditional and religious rituals associated with puberty initiation and funeral rites in modern Malawi. Additionally, the chapter analyses the impact of the modification on adherents in Modern Malawi. The study utilised a hybrid of methods to collect data on funeral rituals in Traditional Authority Mwilang’ombe in Karonga District. Data was gathered through observation and interviews with key informants. Field notes and audio recordings, with participants’ consent, were utilised. Data was analysed thematically. However, data on puberty initiation rites was based on a review of grey literature, anecdotal evidence, and informal conversations. The study found that due to modernization, religious influences and health concerns, there have been considerable modification of puberty initiation and funeral rites, affecting the adherents positively and negatively. Positively, modification of rituals protects those involved from contracting contagious diseases and pandemics, while at the same time, it has created a void in many people’s lives, leaving them with unresolved issues, especially concerning identification and their relationship with their ancestors. Understanding this modification and its consequences is crucial for comprehending the challenges and opportunities facing Malawian society as it navigates the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to contemporary realities.
GND Keywords: ; ; ;
Malawi
Volksreligion
Ritual
Verhaltensmodifikation
Keywords:
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DDC Classification:
RVK Classification:
Type:
Contribution to an Articlecollection
Activation date:
January 27, 2025
Permalink
https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/106012