ancestor worship

noun

, Anthropology.

1. (in certain societies) the veneration of ancestors whose spirits are frequently held to possess the power to influence the affairs of the living.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancestor worship¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

In China the patriarch of a nomad horde became emperor of a nation retaining ancestor worship as its chief religious system.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes, as in many African tribes, ancestor worship is almost the whole of practical cult.

From Project Gutenberg

Religion is mainly ancestor worship or vague spirit worship; ghosts are propitiated with food.

From Project Gutenberg

Among a people still practicing ancestor-worship, an epidemic of sterility would be a disaster indeed.

From Project Gutenberg

Ancestor worship, finally, is the worship in cult of family or tribal ancestors.

From Project Gutenberg