Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ancestor worship refers to the religious or spiritual practice of revering and paying homage to deceased family members. It involves beliefs that ancestors have the power to influence the lives of their living descendants.
Ancestor worship often involves performing rituals or ceremonies dedicated to honoring ancestors. These rituals can include offerings of food, incense, prayers, or even elaborate ceremonies on specific occasions.
Spirituality: Ancestor worship is deeply rooted in spirituality as it involves connecting with the spiritual realm through reverence for deceased family members. It encompasses beliefs about the afterlife and the continued presence of ancestors in the lives of their descendants.
Commemoration: Ancestor worship includes acts of commemoration where individuals remember and celebrate the lives of their deceased family members. This can be done through various means such as creating altars or participating in annual memorial services.