Can you provide any examples of how some religions combine their religious practices?
Christianity, of course, borrowed from previous Jewish customs.
Many of our Christmas customs originated in pagan religious customs. Examples: mistletoe, Christmas trees, and even the date of December 25.
Until relatively recently, Catholic masses were always said in Latin. Now, many masses are said in the language of the congregation.
http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/combinations.htm
Certainly! Many religions incorporate elements from other religious practices to varying degrees. Here are a few examples:
1. Syncretism in Santería: Santería is a religion that developed in Cuba, combining elements of West African Yoruba religion with Catholicism. Followers of Santería believe in a pantheon of deities called Orisha, which are often associated with Catholic saints. For example, the Orisha Yemaya is syncretized with the Catholic Virgin Mary.
2. Buddhist-Christian syncretism: In some parts of East Asia, Buddhism and Christianity have been combined to create a syncretic practice. This can involve incorporating Buddhist meditation techniques and philosophies into Christian worship, or incorporating Christian beliefs and rituals into Buddhist temples.
3. Sikh-Hindu practices: Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in India, shares some similarities with Hinduism, the predominant religion of the region. Sikhs often participate in Hindu rituals such as visiting Hindu temples, celebrating Hindu festivals, and seeking blessings from Hindu priests.
It's important to note that the extent of syncretism can differ greatly among individuals and communities within a religion. Some may embrace and actively combine practices, while others may keep certain practices separate. Additionally, syncretism can be a complex and nuanced topic, involving cultural, historical, and geopolitical factors. Exploring specific cases or regions can provide deeper insights into how religions combine their practices.