Virtual Conference

ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION SUMMER 2013 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE PHOTOS BY NATALIE DOWNE, LLYN SMITH, HOWARD G. CHARING, MARC VERAART, RAPHAEL FAUVEAU, AJMER DARGAH, ALEKSANDER DRAGNES, RUSTY STEWART, MCKAY SAVAGE, AND SEIER+SEIER

Table of Contents ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION.................................................................................................................................. 1 Summer 2013 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE............................................................................................................................................... 1 Australasia & The Pacific ............................................................................................................................................... 3 The Maori Problem: The Sting of Domestic Violence..................................................................................................3 Egypt & the African Diaspora.......................................................................................................................................... 3 One Ultimate Goal: Afterlife......................................................................................................................................... 3 Haitian Vodou.............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Ancient Egyptian Creation Myths and the Relation to Others......................................................................................4 Candomble: The Orixas............................................................................................................................................... 4 The Origins of Rastafarians......................................................................................................................................... 4 Buddhism........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Buddhist Meditation and Modern Science...................................................................................................................5 Tibetan Sky Burials...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Map of the Cosmos/Map of the Mind...........................................................................................................................5 Buddhist Symbolism.................................................................................................................................................... 5 Religions of India............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Hindu Temple Architecture and Design ......................................................................................................................6 Kumbh Mela: The Largest Religious Gathering on Earth............................................................................................6 Hindu Temples............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Monkeys: The Sacred and the Profane.......................................................................................................................6 Hinduism’s Beginnings and Deities though its Art.......................................................................................................7 Mount Kailash: From the Eyes Of A Hindu..................................................................................................................7 Jainism: How a Prince Inspired a People....................................................................................................................7 North American................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Modern Shamanism..................................................................................................................................................... 8 Fox Sisters................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Atheism VS Religion.................................................................................................................................................... 8 Latin and South America................................................................................................................................................. 9 Ritual Violence among Tukano Indians.......................................................................................................................9 The Rituals of Curanderismo....................................................................................................................................... 9 Indigenous Culture and Uprising in Chiapas, Mexico..................................................................................................9 Other Religions.............................................................................................................................................................. 10 The Life Sequence of Jewish Rituals......................................................................................................................... 10 Symbolism in Islamic Architecture.............................................................................................................................10 Sámi........................................................................................................................................................................... 10 The Celtic Druid Priests............................................................................................................................................. 11 Other Asian Religions.................................................................................................................................................... 11 Sikhism: Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions.....................................................................................................11 Thaipusam: Social Bonding through Religious Penance...........................................................................................11 Revolutionary Chinese Art......................................................................................................................................... 11 Native Religions of the Americas .................................................................................................................................. 12 Native American Religious Systems: An Introduction to the Kuksu Cult...................................................................12 My Roots.................................................................................................................................................................... 12 The Inupiat People of Arctic Alaska .......................................................................................................................... 12 Symbols & Rituals ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 The Symbolic History of the Moon: Religion's Dark Side...........................................................................................13 Santeria: Animal Sacrifice......................................................................................................................................... 13 The Co-existence of Sports and Religion.................................................................................................................. 13 Soccer is a Religion.................................................................................................................................................. 14 God through Yoga...................................................................................................................................................... 14 Is Sport a Religion?.................................................................................................................................................... 14

AUSTRALASI A & THE PACIFIC

drinking rates are more than double that of non-Maori.

This can all be linked back to the increased colonization of the New Zealand Maori in the early 19th century. This cultural and societal issue has leaked into the political scene of New Zealand in recent years, and many women and men are looking for ways to bring down the amount of domestic violence and ultimately the number of Maori imprisoned.

EGYPT & THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

Photo by Timothy Tolle

Photo by Paloetic

THE MAORI PROBLEM: THE STING OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Samantha Boyd Script: The Maori Problem: The Sting of Domestic Violence ABSTRACT This presentation takes an inside look at the Maori culture and religion focusing on their dark past with domestic violence. The sting of domestic violence has been blamed on the emphasis of masculinity that is put on young Maori men, along with the high rates of unemployment in this culture. In addition, alcoholism is said to be a preemptive indicator of domestic violence, and statistics have shown that the Maori

ONE ULTIMATE GOAL: AFTERLIFE Julianne Pena Script: One Ultimate Goal: Afterlife ABSTRACT My presentation focuses on the Ancient Egyptian culture, and goes in-depth about their beliefs of the after life, their unique funeral ceremonies and why mummification was considered an important rite in their culture. Their belief in rebirth after death is what drove them into their distinctive funeral and preservation processes for the dead. This is an interesting topic because most of what we know today about the Ancient Egyptian culture has been preserved in the tombs where mummies of their culture were found. By understanding more about their funeral ceremonies and the reasoning behind their process of mummifications, we can see a clear example of how religion reflects society.

HAITIAN VODOU Sarah Morrison Script: Haitian Vodou ABSTRACT This presentation examines myths and misconceptions regarding Haitian Vodou. I will focus on how these myths originated as well as how they function to trivialize and dispel Vodou practice. I will place emphasis on the myth that Vodou is a major cause of the impoverishment of Haitian people and provide arguments as to how Vodou has functioned to empower Haitian people. I will explain Haitian Vodou’s roots within the slave trade from Haiti into Europe and America and the role racial and cultural anxiety has played, through racial stereotypes, tourism, and the media in exploiting Haitian Vodou. I will also briefly compare the “imagined religion” of voodoo presented in the media with the actual practices and beliefs of Haitian Vodou.

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CREATION MYTHS AND THE RELATION TO OTHERS Janet Horn Script: Ancient Egyptian Creation Myths and the Relation to Others ABSTRACT My presentation will be about the creation myth of ancient Egypt. I will briefly explain what the creation myth entails and describe how it relates to the creation stories of modern popular religions today.

Within ancient Egypt, the creation story started much like the creation story of Christianity; a God, or supreme power of all existence, decided to create life and did so by creating the Earth and then humans.

Both Egyptian and Christian stories tell of a particular god or god-like person being killed and later resurrected as a holy entity. Furthermore, many of the stories talk about the creation of “good” and “evil” within the universe. Through studying many of the modern religions today, one can see the similarities between ancient Egyptian mythology and the evolution other religions have taken to become what they are today.

CANDOMBLE: THE ORIXAS Jasmine Nossett Script: Candomble: The Orixas ABSTRACT

This project explores the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomble, specifically the deities associated with this religion and the rituals surrounding them. This religion emphasizes one ultimate Orixa, Oxala, and lesser Orixas, that serve under him. Each deity represents specific objects, days, foods, and etcetera.

Members of this religion are given to an Orixa based on traits that connect them to certain Orixas, such as personality. Their Orixa helps guide them, protects them, and keeps them on their path; it acts as a sort of “guardian angel” for those connected with it. Orixas are respected through, kept in touch with, embodied, and more through rituals where the participants dress up and portray their Orixa to accomplish a number of things, including to keep connected with their Orixa, become overcome by, or to ask for something. By studying the close relationship between Candomble participants and their deities, we can better understand the symbolisms and significance behind their belief systems and rituals as well as motivations and behaviors of the members of Candomble.

THE ORIGINS OF RASTAFARIANS Rebecca Lennox Script: The Origins of Rastafarians ABSTRACT Ever since I have been little, I have listened to the reggae form of music from artists like Bob Marley.

Growing up I heard a lot of rumors about the religion Rastafarianism which reggae music is an expression of. In my project I start at the beginning of the Rastafarian religion and follow it through to present day. When doing this I was also looking to the reasoning behind the typical reggae trends such as smoking weed and having dreadlocks.

BUDDHISM

ritual has continued to be a standard practice.

Although this ritual, from a Western perspective, can seem grotesque, through understanding this cultures beliefs; hopefully we can change that perspective into something much more positive.

MAP OF THE COSMOS/MAP OF THE MIND Ariel Fishkin Script: Map of the Cosmos/Map of the Mind

Photo by Aleksander Dragnes

BUDDHIST MEDITATION AND MODERN SCIENCE Kelsey Brennan Script: Buddhist Meditation and Modern Science ABSTRACT This presentation examines the Buddhist religion, specifically the relationship between Buddhist studies of the human mind and modern science. Buddhists have studied the human mind for thousands of years and have found a way to achieve a true, healthy state of mind or NIRVANA. Modern day neuroscientists and psychologists are using this information to help further their studies. Meditation practices are being studied today in order to better understand a human’s ability to control conscious decisions, moods, etc.

This is an interesting topic because modern scientists are using ancient methods of Buddhism to better understand the human mind today.

TIBETAN SKY BURIALS Taylor Ernest Script: Tibetan Sky Burials ABSTRACT This presentation will be about the ritual of Sky Burials performed on the mountaintops in Tibet.

Because the majority of this culture is Buddhist and believes in “rebirth” and that the body is just a vessel, there is no need to preserve the body after death.

Since the ground is too hard and rocky in Tibet to dig graves along with the scarcity of fuel and lumber this

ABSTRACT This presentation discusses the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhists of the Kalachakra Tantra tradition through the symbolism of the Kalachakra Mandala. It is shown how the Mandala is an artistic representation of the world view of the Kalachakra religion. Analysis of the Mandala reveals how Tibetan Buddhists of this school view the self, the outer universe, and most interestingly, how their structure is almost exactly the same. The Mandala itself, as well as the act of creating it, is believed to contain the potential to bring peace to those who engage in creating it as well as those who simply view it.

Visualization of the Mandala is believed to help practitioners obtain the ultimate goal of enlightenment, and escape the tangled web of cause and effect that we experience on earth.

BUDDHIST SYMBOLISM Amber Long Script: Buddhist Symbolism ABSTRACT In the earliest centuries of Buddhism, statues of the Buddha were not used. Instead, Buddhist art consisted of images symbolizing the Buddha and his teachings, such as the lotus, the Wheel of Dharma, the swastika, and many more. These early symbols remain important and are frequently used to this day.

RELIGIONS OF INDIA

interesting as well as how religions form the temples around different rituals and ceremonies.

KUMBH MELA: THE LARGEST RELIGIOUS GATHERING ON EARTH Angela Nguyen Script: Kumbh Mela: The Largest Religious Gathering on Earth ABSTRACT This presentation captures the importance of the Kumbh Mela in the eyes of the Hindu population.

Kumbh Mela is a pilgrimage of faith that is taken place at the four locations in India where it is believed that the waters are sacred. This event takes place every 12 years calling religious followers by the millions.

This year, 2013 it was recorded that the Kumbh Mela had over 100 million participants. From the research that will be presented we will learn the symbolism of the event and what makes it significant to the Hindu population.

HINDU TEMPLES Maegen Moser Script: Hindu Temples

Photo by Graham Hills

HINDU TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN Molly Fisher Script: Hindu Temple Architecture and Design ABSTRACT My presentation will go into detail of a few different types of Hindu Temples and their design. Along with this I will explain the different parts of the temple as well as the material used. In order to describe the temple I will need to go into some depth on the reasons for why followers of the Hindu religion act in such a way during specific rituals. Along with the rituals I will discuss the purpose of the different temples durring different eras of the Hindu religion.

The final topic of this discussion is the modernization of the Hindu temple and rituals. I am interested in this topic because I find architecture and design

ABSTRACT In my presentation I will start by giving a brief introduction on the Hindu Temple and introduce some terminology that may be new to you. Next, I will dive into temple architecture and explain the different types of temples in different parts of India. This topic will be accompanied with pictures of the temples.

Then, I hope to spend the majority of my presentation discussing the meaning of the Hindu Temples, the rituals performed inside the temples, and the gods worshipped inside the temples. I hope to discuss the three different types of rituals, daily (puja), occasional, and private. I would like to close with highlighting famous Hindu Temples.

MONKEYS: THE SACRED AND THE PROFANE Casey Hegel Script: Monkeys: The Sacred and the Profane ABSTRACT My presentation is about the Hindu Epic Poem Ramayana, specifically about the monkey deity Hanuman. I will be focusing mainly on long-tailed macaques in the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, Bali and will mention the rhesus

monkey that is prevalent in India. In doing so, my focus is on how through Hanuman, monkeys in regions where there is a belief of Hinduism exist in the realm of the sacred and the profane. Humans and non-human primates in this setting can mutually benefit, but there are significant pros and cons to this coexistence.

HINDUISM’S BEGINNINGS AND DEITIES THOUGH ITS ART Lora Martin Script: Hinduism’s Beginnings and Deities though its Art ABSTRACT My presentation examines the Hindu religion, using art to tell the origins of the religion and focus in on a few of its many deities. The beginning of Hinduism goes back to Indus valley and makes a dramatic change to present day Hinduism, specifically in its deities. I stress the importance of art and it’s significance to tell the Deities stories and to show who each deity is through their identification symbols. By knowing more about art within different religions we are able to understand each religion more and not feel like they are so foreign.

MOUNT KAILASH: FROM THE EYES OF A HINDU Jason Heutmaker Script: Mount Kailash: From the Eyes Of A Hindu ABSTRACT This presentation examines both the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and what it means to take a pilgrimage there, and specifically focuses upon the meaning it holds in Hinduism. Mount Kailash itself is seen by Hindus as the very center of the world, the place where all life began, and yet is often unheard of in western society. Since many people do not understand the importance and value that has been placed upon this mountain or the life altering trek many undertake, it is certain to be an interesting topic.

By further understanding the importance and significance of Mount Kailash we can come to better understand why Hindus and Hinduism consider it to be the center of the world.

JAINISM: HOW A PRINCE INSPIRED A PEOPLE Kayla Williams Script: Jainism: How a Prince Inspired a People

ABSTRACT Jainism is one of the oldest existing religions in the world. In this presentation you will learn about its foundations in India. You will learn the basics of the Jaina religion, such as the soul's journey through the river of time and who gave the Jains the ability to cross this river to reach Nirvana. You will learn about the founders of Jainism particularly about Mahavira, who lived during the time of the Buddha, but whose teachings still influence the modern Jains. From this presentation you will learn a brief history of India and its people through an understanding of Jainism.

NORTH AMERICAN

quality of life can improve on an individual and societal level.

FOX SISTERS Alicia Lee Script: Fox Sisters ABSTRACT My presentation is on Spiritualism, specifically on the Fox sisters. The Fox sisters were three sisters whom somewhat created "Spiritualism." Spiritualism is a belief that spirits from the dead can communicate with the living. The Fox sisters were three sisters in the 1800's that discovered they can speak to the spirits. I found this topic interesting because I do believe in the spirits and I get a somewhat chill feeling whenever I read about spirits. By doing this research I can fully understand the important roles the Fox sister played and explaining to others that you don't have to fear spirits. This presentation examines the Mormon religion. Its focus will be on the founding of the religion and specifically Joseph Smith. The religion was founded recently compared to many religions.

This makes the religion interesting because of its more recent take on Christianity as well as past and current concerns with polygamy. The Mormon religion has also come under fire and is sometimes mocked in the media because of way that Joseph Smith founded the religion. By researching this topic I hope to understand more about the founding and beliefs of the religion.

ATHEISM VS RELIGION Nikolas Zelinski Script: Atheism VS Religion

Photo by Drew Zanki

MODERN SHAMANISM Benjamin Cox Script: Modern Shamanism ABSTRACT This presentation covers “Core Shamanism” as a modern-day interpretation of ancient shamanic practices. Specifically, this presentation will cover the main functions of a shaman: trance states and physical healing; the achievement of trance states through meditation, drumming, entheogens, and physical healing through plants and ritual. In covering these topics, the presentation will show a comparison between traditional shamanism and core shamanism.

This is an interesting topic because many people today are becoming more informed on the effects of altering consciousness, and through shamanism, the

ABSTRACT My abstract version of what this project was going to be is far different than what the final product is. My original intent was to show that the modern schooling system in America produces Atheists and the idea of a world that can be described without a religion or Gods. But as I did my research I found out that there are more categories of Atheist/Agnostic schools of thought than I had previously imagined. The project then became an issue of language. Our classroom text has a tough time describing or defining what religion really is. I found it funny that Atheists conform to many of the definitions offered by Bowie in regard to religion. My goal then was simply point out how silly each side of the binary style system we have set up really is. It always comes down to a matter of language. And the “battle” between Atheism and Religion is really fought on a field of language, and both sides seem to be missing the point of the other.

LATIN AND SOUTH AMERICA

political and social powers over women as well as to control what they believe to be women’s natural sexual deviancy and selfishness among other negative attributes.

THE RITUALS OF CURANDERISMO Terri Daisy Lopez Script: The Rituals of Curanderismo ABSTRACT This presentation is intended to elaborate on a specific classification of medicine and healing rituals of Shamanism incorporated in the Mexican culture.

As in every culture there are individuals that have a significant role(s) such as deities, doctors and so on that hold responsibilities amongst their community.

Traditionally, in Mexican cultures the healers are known as curenderos (male) and curanderas (female). The focus of this presentation will centralize around the traditions and rituals practiced specifically amongst curanderas. Herbs, ritual objects, saints, and the meanings of when these healing rituals apply are significant components to understanding the medicine of these people.

INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND UPRISING IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO Antonio Cardona Script: Indigenous Culture and Uprising in Chiapas, Mexico

Photo by Leonardo Pallotta

RITUAL VIOLENCE AMONG TUKANO INDIANS Conor Lee Script: Ritual Violence among Tukano Indians ABSTRACT This presentation aims to describe the ways in which women in the indigenous culture of the Tukano people are negatively represented compared to men in rites and rituals. Within these rites and rituals, especially those pertaining to femininity, Tukano men assert their dominance through metaphorical ritual violence. Two rituals in particular performed by Tukano men, the Yurupari flute ceremony and ceremonial bride capture incorporate metaphorical violence towards Tukano women. These rites and rituals are used by Tukano men in order to obtain

ABSTRACT The presentation that I will be conducting and analyzing will consist in the culture that is in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. With many indigenous people and tribes habituating the area, I will focus my presentation on the Tzotzil culture and their domestic organization that contribute to their everyday life such as labor and kinship. I will also be stating how the armed conflict between the EZLN and the federal government affect the lives of the indigenous people and their culture. I will inform the audience of what it is that the EZLN is fighting for and why the federal government is in this type of situation. With the Mayan culture in their background, I will state how new emerging adults who have achieved academic standing by attending universities is contributing to their transition from a Mayan culture to an urban, modernized society.

OTHER RELIGIONS

SYMBOLISM IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE Eric Bonner Script: Symbolism in Islamic Architecture This presentation is going to focus on the symbolism and metaphor found within Islamic art and architecture, particularly the mosque. I want to start with a short introduction and history of Islam, and then explain how symbols and metaphors have been traditionally important and heavily utilized by Muslim scholars, due to the religious understanding of the world that held that God cannot be defined. A good portion of my presentation will describe four types of symbols commonly found in the architecture of mosques throughout the Muslim world as discussed

by Jane Nejdet Erzen. These four symbols are “paradise”, “the heavenly theater”, “urban sculptures”, and “The cosmic spiral”, a symbol commonly found in structures, forms, and decorations in Islam. I also want to touch a little on how Islamic architecture was received by different communities, and how local influences helped generate unique architectural styles. I feel that understanding how symbols and metaphors are utilized in Islam can greatly contribute to one’s understanding of Islamic thought.

SÁMI Photo by Wendy Longo

Erika Ebel Script: Sámi

THE LIFE SEQUENCE OF JEWISH RITUALS

ABSTRACT The indigenous people that populate Scandinavia are known as the Sámi. They are known for their reindeer herding and have been affected by modernization over the last century. The Sámi people occupy an area they call Sampi which consists of Russia, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Some people with private property do not allow the Sámi to herd on their land, which is problematic in a number of ways.

Firstly, this area has been used by the nomadic Sámi people for thousands of years. Secondly, with private property fencing off previous grazing territory Sámi people must often change their reindeer’s courses and in order to do so must use new technology such as ATV’s. The modern world has been influencing the Sámi culture, and over the past decade many have been fighting to keep Sámi culture alive in the Scandinavian world. One example is the continuation of traditional Sámi music called yoiking which is often accompanied by rhythmic drumming. Yoiking can be traced back to the shamanistic rituals once performed by many Sámi before Christian missionaries prohibited shamanistic practices.

Laura Parme Script: The Life Sequence of Jewish Rituals ABSTRACT The purpose of this project is to examine Jewish rituals from birth to death. After completing a ritual it can change the body/person so that they are more relaxed. Durkheim argued that “religion reflects society” this is important concept because when people participate in rituals it makes them feel more connected to God. This is an appealing topic because rituals can be seen as a sign of events that hold great importance in our lives.

THE CELTIC DRUID PRIESTS Taylor Alshuth Script: The Celtic Druid Priests ABSTRACT In this presentation I examine the impact that Celtic druid-priests have had on the modern world and other periods of history leading up into modern times. One of the things that I was really interested in was architecture and how the architectural style of the druids was incorporated into Christian Churches years after the Celts had all be converted. I was going to see if any significant distinction could be made between the styles of the Celts from England and the Celts from France. To avoid confusion of the two regional types of Celts I will refer to the Celts from England as the Britons and the Celts from France as the Gauls. I am aware that not all Celts were Britons or Gauls and vice versa, but it makes it easier to differentiate the two groups. I think it say a lot about a culture when it is able to have such an impact even after they had pretty much had their cultural identity more-or-less eradicated.

OTHER ASIAN RELIGIONS

Script: Sikhism: Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions ABSTRACT This presentation will be examining the rituals and practices of the 'disciples' of Sikhism. Specifically, I will be presenting on the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions. Sikhism is a world religion that preaches a way of life characterized by commitment, dedication and social consciousness. Sikhism also has the reputation of being one of the most progressive religions in existence today; with moral precepts such as: people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. This presentiation will also illuminate some of these rich and progressive elements unique to Sikhism.

THAIPUSAM: SOCIAL BONDING THROUGH RELIGIOUS PENANCE Amanda Nasrudin Script: Thaipusam: Social Bonding through Religious Penance ABSTRACT The festival of Thaipusam occurs every year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival, attended predominantly by the Tamil people. Tamils are Hindus living in Southeast Asia. Many are descendants of indentured servants brought over to work on plantations by the British Raj. The Tamil people are increasingly marginalized in Malaysian society, due in part to the adoption of Islam as the national religion of Malaysia. The Tamil people bond as a group through religion. The festival of Thaipusam includes many people carrying weights attached to their bodies with sharp hooks and others who pierce themselves with many long needles. The trancestates achieved by the participants in these ceremonies are interesting from a biological and anthropological standpoint, and the effect of the Thaipusam festival on the Tamil culture as a whole is significant.

REVOLUTIONARY CHINESE ART Christopher Spencer Script: Revolutionary Chinese Art Photo by AngusKirk

SIKHISM: SIKH CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONVENTIONS David Gilstrap

ABSTRACT This presentation focuses on Chinese art from the end of the Qing Dynasty up to the point of the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China and the movement of the Republic of China. This area is religiously important and can be reflected through the changing art forms, as this was the time of the first

western influences breaking the strict dogma chinese artists had adopted from early calligraphy. Historical Chinese art has its roots stemming in the balances of Confucianism; where paintings held a careful balance of texture with simplicity, and must convey a moral message that could be interpreted. This time period hold great interest, because this was the time that art was leaving the exclusive zone of the literary elite, expanding to include western influences, and increased in scrutiny through the Cultural Revolution and an increase in changed ideals. By understanding the changes in Chinese art, we can see how China struggles to balance is old world roots and Confucian morals within a politically critical government coinciding with a increase in awareness.

NATIVE RELIGIONS OF THE AMERICAS

Photo by Smithsonian Institution

NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE KUKSU CULT Ryan Wimmer Script: Native American Religious Systems: An Introduction to the Kuksu Cult ABSTRACT This presentation seeks to help us better understand the beliefs of California indigenous peoples. It has been said that many tribes share similar beliefs, though differences most often arise as a result of geographical delineations of tribal ranges. Several clans in the northern California region shared all-male membership in the Kuksu cult. This secret society is misunderstood even to those who have heard of it before. Learning more about this religious system will shed light on ideas that Westerners have held about Native Americans. This presentation will explain the many traditions and rites associated with Kuksu membership and relate it to tribes throughout California.

MY ROOTS Jordan Piper Script: My Roots ABSTRACT My Roots I'll be doing my presentation on the Native American Tlingit people, specifically, the Tlingit village in Klukwan Alaska. The Tlingit is one of the Native American groups that got started in Alaska, fixed in Southeast Alaska to be exact. Klukwan is a small village just outside of Haines Alaska and one of the few remaining Tlingit villages. Klukwan has faced hardships and gained triumphs, overcoming a landslide and tension to change their ways. My grandfather and mother were both raised in the village of Klukwan. Today Klukwan is still fighting strong to keep their culture and lifestyle alive in an ever changing modern-aged world.

THE INUPIAT PEOPLE OF ARCTIC ALASKA Ryan Dorough Script: The Inupiat People of Arctic Alaska ABSTRACT This Presentation examines the Inupiat culture, religion and practices of northern Alaska. The Inupiat of northern Alaska have used their culture and the

religion to keep the success of their culture and religion alive in the harsh climate of northern Alaska for centuries. More importantly this presentation will expose some of the traditions and customs of the Inupiat people that are being lost due to modernization and industrialization. This is an interesting topic because so much of this culture goes into survival that it is very hard to distinguish what is religion and what is survival. By understanding how the Inupiat tie in survival with religion we can have a greater understanding on the way human life has evolved from subsistence living to a more modernized world. However the most important thing we can learn from the Inupiat people is how to be grateful for what we have when it comes to our environment and our world.

SYMBOLS & RITUALS

This presentation explores the symbolism of the moon in the history of religion. I will use the history of Greek, Roman, and Mayan culture to compare the differences and similarities of how these cultures symbolize the moon in rites and ceremonies. Also how the history of women alone compare to the moon spiritually. These societies all advanced due to research of the moon and with it astrology. Astrology has made several advances as these cultures learned about eclipses and phases and performed rites to these moon stages. Within these cultures the advancement of feminist has also advanced with time, and women have a long prestige with the moon and the symbolism between the moon and women whom I will further discuss.

SANTERIA: A NIMAL SACRIFICE Rachel Newton Script: Santeria: Animal Sacrifice ABSTRACT My project explores the taboo that surrounds ritualistic animal sacrifices. Court cases and protests will make up my "con section" while examples of religions that actually engage in the ritual, such as Santeria and Islam, and their cultural meanings behind the act will become my "pro section." The Supreme Court has made the desision that animal sacrifices are allowed, but that does not mean that there is no more ignorance about the practice and where there is ignorance, anger and persecution follow. Many people see the rituals as cruel and barbaric, but they are very important to the structure of the religion.

THE CO - EXISTENCE OF SPORTS AND RELIGION Blake Johnson Script: The Co-existence of Sports and Religion

Photo by guccio@文房具社

THE SYMBOLIC HISTORY OF THE MOON: RELIGION'S DARK SIDE Elizabeth Morgan Script: The Symbolic History of the Moon: Religion's Dark Side ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT My conference presentation is going to cover the relationship between sport and religion throughout time. This functionality between the two of them in society dates back thousands of years. In the Middle Ages sporting competitions were a huge part of all major religious festivals including weddings, births, and even baptisms. The Olympic games that took place in the monumental temple of Zeus of ancient Greece offered numerous oaths and sacrifices in order to gain the favor of the Gods. In other primitive cultures sports have even been said to control the forces of nature themselves. It is argued that without religion, sports may not even exist in the first place. It is my understanding that they have thrived in their

coexistence for millennia because of a strong symbiotic relationship.

SOCCER IS A RELIGION Stephanie Jenkins Script: Soccer is a Religion ABSTRACT This presentation looks at how soccer is not just a sport, but has taken on similar characteristics found in religion. I find this topic interesting because after traveling to Europe for the 2005 World Cup, I witnessed how soccer brings together people from different countries and cultures. In countries outside the United States, the star players are worshiped by their fans, chants and rituals are performed among thousands or even millions, and the cultural dress celebrates the national teams’ colors. Soccer has even driven countries to war such as El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. By the end of this presentation hopefully people will have a better understanding that soccer can be viewed as a religion, not just a sport.

GOD T HROUGH YOGA Marisela Gomez Script: God through Yoga ABSTRACT My presentation will examine yoga as religion and compare the difference between a practicing yogi in the United States vs. in India. I will discuss the spiritual connection that people find through yoga and how this affects their lives, briefly touching upon the health benefits of practicing yoga. This is an interesting topic because in today’s society, I feel our younger generations are less inclined to practice spirituality as a form of organized religion yet still seeking a deeper meaning to life they search for their own way of finding a connection to something bigger than themselves. Many people have found this connection through yoga and meditation.

IS SPORT A RELIGION? David Uballez Script: Is Sport a Religion?

ABSTRACT This presentation brings to light the phenomenon of a new religion, the one of sport. It will focus on the main elements that create a religion and compare them to the elements of sport. Sport has become a recent phenomenon that has captured many individuals attention and has been made into an area of collegiate study. Today's society has become

religiously involved sport inside their daily lives.This is an interesting topic because viewing an activity that people participate in religiously as a religion in itself may raise controversy. By understanding the elements that create religion we can understand the new phenomenon, sport, as a religion.

Photo by Belgian Chocolate

You are searching the world for treasure but the real treasure is yourself If you are tempted by bread you will find only bread What you seek for you become.

Rumi - Hidden Music