The religion riddle

Way back when… prior to exploration, What religions do you think existed in the “new world?” (I’ll wait, talk with your group) …….

Native religions Most native religions were polytheistic (believed in more than one God) and worshipped nature

Then came the explorers… When the explorers came, they brought more than just their luggage. They also brought their religion! Their religion was roman Catholicism, and now, it is the most popular religion in Latin America!

But they didn’t come alone! With the explorers came African slaves. They brought their own religious traditions. While they worshipped nature like the indigenous population, their religion was very different!

What happens when these religions meet? So glad that you asked! When religions mix, we end up with something completely new and unique! We call this mixing and spreading of cultural traits cultural diffusion.

Dia de los muertos (Day of the dead) This festival combines a catholic holiday with native American beliefs about the afterlife! Day of the Dead Festival

Santeria This religion mixes traditional African beliefs with roman Catholicism

Create your own Latin American Art Create your own Latin American Art! You will be coloring a “day of the Dead” skull! Be sure to use a variety of colors to capture in order to truly master this art form!