Asia
Chinese Protestors say cemetery policy an attack on Ancestor Veneration
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China’s burial policy requiring mandatory cremation sparked protests in one city, where some see it as an attack on ancestor veneration and traditional folk religion.
Asia
Naturalistic Paganism in Lebanon
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Today’s dispatch comes from J.D. Harlock, who introduces us to a form of Naturalistic Paganism based in the history and landscape of Lebanon. “Embracing Naturalistic Paganism fosters a sense of kinship and purpose among all Lebanese, regardless of their background, allowing for communal healing with a peaceful but powerful resistance against the forces that wish Lebanon to be fragmented.”
Asia
Dubai witchcraft arrests and confiscations
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Two troubling international incidents emerged from Dubai last week. Firstly, police detained a woman who was begging while purportedly employing a talisman to sway strangers into giving her money. Secondly, unrelatedly, authorities at Dubai International Airport apprehended a traveler accused of trafficking items associated with witchcraft and sorcery.
Asia
Changes in annual Shinto festivals: Japan allows women to participate, men keep cloths on
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The Shinto Hadaka Matsuri, translated as the “Naked Festival,” begins in early February. This year, some changes will take place at various Shinto shrines, and one celebration will begin allowing women to participate for the first time in 1,250 years.
Asia
China sees the goddess Mazu as key to influencing politics in Taiwan
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Beijing hopes to use the faithful’s adoration of the goddess Mazu to manipulate elections in Taiwan.