Cultural Traditions

America’s First Pope Is Earning Praise — But Many Are Still Watching and Waiting

June 15, 2025

Home Category Religion and Spirituality Cultural Traditions

Cultural Traditions

Explore the rich and diverse cultural traditions that shape religious practices around the world. This category covers sacred rituals, festivals, ceremonies, and spiritual customs that have been passed down through generations. Learn about the influence of religion on traditional clothing, art, music, food, and daily life. Discover how different cultures celebrate their faith through unique festivals, pilgrimages, sacred sites, and rites of passage. Whether you're interested in ancient traditions, modern adaptations, or cross-cultural influences, this category provides deep insights into the spiritual and cultural heritage of societies worldwide.

Beyond Tradition: Life Lessons from Eid al-Adha - Babu Babu/Reuters/File

Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Giving, and Mindful Living

June 7, 2025

Eid al-Adha: A Spiritual Holiday Offering Lessons in Mindfulness, Community, and Purpose While many holidays are celebrated with festive meals,...

The Last Guardians of Japan’s Secret Christian Faith - AP Photo/Hiro Komae

Japan’s Hidden Christians: A Secret Faith Facing Extinction

June 7, 2025

‘A Huge Loss’: Japan’s Hidden Christians Face the End of a Unique Faith Tradition IKITSUKI, Japan — On a quiet,...

Eid in Gaza: Prayers in the Rubble, Food Supplies Running Low - AP Photo/Abdel Kareen Hana

Conflict and Crisis

Eid Prayers Held Outdoors as Gaza Faces Growing Hardship

June 7, 2025

Gaza Marks Eid Amid Devastation and Growing Hunger DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — As the sun rose over the war-torn...

New Pope Leo Welcomed by Thousands and Global Leaders - Gregorio Borgia/AP

First American Pope Speaks Out Against Poverty and Division

May 18, 2025

Pope Leo’s Inaugural Mass: A Call for Unity and Justice Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, made...

Mary in May: A Month of Prayer and Celebration - AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Why Catholics Around the World Pray to the Virgin Mary

May 17, 2025

Why Popes - and Millions of Catholics - Pray to the Virgin Mary GENAZZANO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV made...

From Chicago to the Vatican: Robert Prevost Becomes Pope - Franco Origlia/Getty Images

America’s First Pope: Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV

May 8, 2025

History Made: American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV For the first time in history, an American...

Sistine Chapel Smoke Confirms New Pope Is Elected - Kevin Coombs/Reuters

New Pope Elected on Day Two of Vatican Conclave

May 8, 2025

White Smoke Rises: A New Pope Has Been Elected on Day Two of the Conclave A moment of historic significance...

Conclave

Black Smoke Signals No Pope Elected on Day 1 of Conclave

May 8, 2025

Black Smoke Marks End of Day 1 in Papal Conclave: No Pope Elected Yet The anticipation was high in St....

Cardinal Becciu Chooses Not to Join Conclave Amid Legal Controversy - Copyright AP Photo

Controversial Cardinal Becciu Steps Back from Choosing Pope Francis’ Successor

April 29, 2025

Cardinal Becciu Steps Back from Conclave Amid Embezzlement Conviction Amid ongoing controversy, Cardinal Angelo Becciu has chosen not to participate...

The Vatican’s Papal Election: A Look at the Conclave Process - Andrew Medichini/AP Photo

What Happens During a Papal Conclave? A Step-by-Step Guide