20Ancient Rites Still Practiced in Modern Time

Marriage ceremonies in many cultures still carry ancient traditions. In India, the practice of arranged marriages is deeply rooted in history. The saptapadi, or seven steps around the fire, is a ritual that symbolizes the couple’s bond. Similarly, in ancient Greece, the wedding procession and the role of the bride’s father in giving her away can still be seen in many modern weddings around the world.

Lunar New Year, celebrated widely in China and other Asian countries, is an ancient tradition that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. The celebrations include family reunions, special foods, and traditional rituals like dragon dances, firecrackers, and honoring ancestors. These customs, which have been practiced for thousands of years, continue to be observed globally.

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated in many parts of the world, includes the ancient tradition of blessing animals. In Catholic and Christian communities, pets and livestock are brought to churches to be blessed, reflecting the ancient reverence for animals as companions and sacred beings.

Brazil’s famous Carnival has its roots in ancient European pre-Lenten celebrations. Over time, it has evolved into a massive cultural and religious celebration with roots in both African and Catholic traditions. The modern-day Carnival, complete with samba parades, costumes, and music, reflects a blend of ancient rites and contemporary cultural expression.

In many African tribes, rites of passage such as circumcision, initiation into adulthood, or even marriage are important and still widely practiced. These rituals help individuals transition from one stage of life to another and reinforce community ties. They often involve elaborate ceremonies, dances, and sacrifices.

The Encierro, or Running of the Bulls, is a centuries-old Spanish tradition held during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. Participants run in front of a group of bulls, leading them through the streets toward the bullring. While controversial, it remains a deeply ingrained tradition in Spanish culture.

Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, has a unique approach to funeral rites. The practice of exposing the dead in a Dakhma (a tower of silence) for scavengers to consume, and then placing the bones in a well, is still followed by Zoroastrians in Iran and India. These ancient customs reflect a reverence for nature and the elements.

Firewalking, an ancient ritual where participants walk barefoot across hot coals, is still practiced in various parts of the world, including India, Fiji, and Greece. In many cultures, firewalking is seen as a test of strength, endurance, and faith, symbolizing spiritual purification and the overcoming of obstacles.

The haka, a traditional war dance performed by the Māori people of New Zealand, is an ancient ritual still practiced today. It is performed to express strength, unity, and pride. While it was historically done before battle, today it is performed at weddings, celebrations, and even sports events, such as rugby matches, to honor the culture’s heritage.

The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, is still observed in Ireland and among people of Irish descent. It is considered the precursor to Halloween. The ritual of lighting bonfires, offering food to spirits, and honoring ancestors continues in some areas, often with a blend of old and new customs.

The Amrit Sanskar ceremony is a rite of passage in Sikhism, where individuals are initiated into the faith. The ancient practice involves the drinking of sweetened water stirred with a sword while reciting prayers, signifying a commitment to the Sikh way of life. This ritual has been carried out since the time of Guru Gobind Singh in the 17th century.

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India over 5,000 years ago, remains a central spiritual and physical practice worldwide. With its deep roots in Hinduism, yoga encompasses physical postures, meditation, and breathing exercises that seek to connect the mind, body, and spirit. Today, it’s practiced by millions for its health benefits and spiritual growth.

The annual Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans, USA, has roots in ancient European pre-Lenten celebrations. While it has evolved into a vibrant celebration with parades and costumes, its origins are based on ancient Roman and medieval European traditions of revelry before the solemn period of Lent.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back over 2,000 years and remains widely practiced today. Methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Tai Chi are still integral parts of healthcare in China and around the world. These ancient practices focus on the balance of qi (life force) and have influenced many modern medical treatments.

Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, still thrives today. Rituals such as Oharai (purification rites) and Omikuji (fortune-telling) continue to be practiced at shrines. During New Year’s, millions of people visit Shinto shrines to pray for good fortune, health, and prosperity—rituals that have been part of Japanese culture for over a thousand years.

The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, is one of the five pillars of Islam and has been practiced for centuries. Muslims from around the world gather annually to perform a series of rites that date back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. The journey symbolizes submission to God, spiritual renewal, and unity among believers.

The Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an ancient Mexican tradition that honors deceased loved ones. Families create altars with offerings, including food, flowers, and candles, to invite the spirits of the departed to return and celebrate with the living. This ancient ritual combines indigenous and Spanish Catholic influences and remains an integral part of Mexican culture.

In rural Nepal, the ancient practice of Pahadi, or smoking herbs, is still performed to purify the air and ward off evil spirits. This ritual involves burning specific plants in a ceremonial manner to cleanse the environment and promote well-being. It’s a fusion of spiritual belief and natural medicine that continues in rural communities.

The Japanese tradition of Hanami—viewing cherry blossoms—has been practiced for over a thousand years. Every spring, people gather in parks to celebrate the blooming of cherry trees, a symbol of the fleeting nature of life. The practice still holds cultural significance, and it’s a time for reflection, appreciation, and socializing.