Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of Muhammad.
Diaspora
Dispersal of a people from their homeland to a new place, either voluntarily or by force.
Judaism
Religion based on the belief in one God who revealed himself to and entered a covenant with Abraham. Judaism dates to 2000 BCE.
Feng Shui
Chinese art and science of placement and orientation of tombs, dwellings, buildings, and cities. Structures and objects are positioned to channel flow of sheng-chi (“life-breath”) in favorable ways.
Shintoism
Religion located in Japan and related to Buddhism. Shintoism focuses particularly on nature and ancestor worship.
Sunni
Sect of Islam that believes Muhammad’s successor did not need to be a blood relative of Muhammad.
Christianity
Religion based on the belief that Jesus was born as the son of God, was crucified, and was resurrected to atone for peoples’ sins. Developed out of Judaism in 1st century CE. Hearth in Bethlehem and Jerusalem (present-day Palestine/Israel).
Hinduism
Religion based on a range of beliefs, including karma and reincarnation. Hinduism began around 2000 BCE and does not have a single founder. Hearth in Indus Valley (present-day Pakistan).
Shi’ite
Sect of Islam that believes Muhammad’s successor needed to be a blood relative of Muhammad. Found commonly in and around Iran.
Roman Catholic Church
One of three major branches of Christianity (together with the Eastern Orthodox and Protestant).
