Children: Creation myths
In Gnostic tradition, the term "Ogdoad" refers to a group of eight deities or divine entities that represent a higher spiritual reality. The concept is most commonly associated with early Christian Gnosticism, particularly in certain Gnostic texts and sects. The Ogdoad is often contrasted with the material world and is considered part of a more complex cosmology where divine emanations descend from a higher god or ultimate reality.
"On the Origin of the World" is an ancient Gnostic text that is part of the Nag Hammadi library, a collection of early Christian and Gnostic writings discovered in Egypt in 1945. The text is typically dated to the 2nd or 3rd century CE and offers a distinctive cosmology and theology that diverges from orthodox Christian views.
Pariṇāmavāda, often translated as the "doctrine of transformation" or "theory of change," is a philosophical concept in Buddhist thought, particularly associated with the teachings on impermanence and the nature of reality. It refers to the understanding that all conditioned phenomena are in a state of constant change and transformation. In the context of Buddhist philosophy, Pariṇāmavāda emphasizes the dynamic nature of existence, asserting that nothing is static or unchanging.
Poimandres, also known as the "Poimandres" or "The Shepherd of Men," is a significant text from the Hermetic tradition, attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, which combines elements of Greek philosophy, Christian thought, and ancient Egyptian spirituality. It is considered one of the central works of Hermeticism and is part of the larger collection known as the Hermetic Corpus.
The **Popol Vuh** is a foundational sacred text of the Maya civilization, specifically associated with the K'iche' Maya people of present-day Guatemala. The title translates roughly to "Book of the Community" or "Book of the People." Compiled in the 16th century after the Spanish conquest, the text is written in the K'iche' language using Latin script.
Protoplast is a term that refers to the first human beings, particularly in the context of Judeo-Christian tradition. It is often used to describe Adam and Eve, who are considered the archetypal humans created by God. In religious studies, the concept of the protoplast explores themes of creation, the nature of humanity, and the implications of human actions in relation to divine commandments.
The Purusha Sukta is a hymn found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. It is composed in the form of a yajna (sacrificial hymn) and is particularly notable for its philosophical and cosmological themes. The Purusha Sukta is primarily concerned with the concept of Purusha, which translates to "cosmic being" or "universal spirit." The hymn describes the creation of the universe through the sacrifice of this cosmic Purusha.
Qʼuqʼumatz is a deity in the mythology of the K'iche' Maya, an indigenous group from the highlands of Guatemala. The name Qʼuqʼumatz can be translated to "feathered serpent" or "serpent of fire." This deity is often associated with creation, wisdom, and the arts.
Rangi and Papa are figures from Māori mythology, specifically within the creation stories of the Māori people of New Zealand. Rangi, also known as Ranginui, is the Sky Father, while Papa, or Papatuanuku, is the Earth Mother. In Māori cosmology, Rangi and Papa were once bound together in a close embrace, with Rangi in the sky and Papa on the ground. Their union produced numerous offspring who were trapped in the darkness between them.
"Raven Tales" is a series of animated shorts created by the Canadian animation studio, "Raven Tale Productions." The show is inspired by Indigenous mythology and storytelling, particularly from First Nations cultures in North America. It typically features a character called Raven, who is a central figure in many Indigenous legends and is often portrayed as a trickster or a creator figure. The animation seeks to celebrate Indigenous culture, teach valuable life lessons, and entertain audiences of all ages.
The Sanamahi creation myth is a significant aspect of the traditional beliefs of the Sanamahi community, primarily found in the Manipur region of India. This myth revolves around the creation of the universe, the origins of the world, and the establishment of various deities. In the Sanamahi creation myth, the narrative often depicts Sanamahi as a central deity, regarded as the god of creation.
The Serer creation myth is an important part of the cosmology and spiritual beliefs of the Serer people, an ethnic group primarily found in Senegal and The Gambia. Their creation myth is rich and detailed, conveying their understanding of the universe, existence, and the divine. In the Serer creation myth, the universe is believed to have been created by a god known as Roog or Rog, who is often considered the supreme being.
The Shabaka Stone, also known as the Shabaka Document, is an ancient Egyptian artifact that dates back to the 25th Dynasty (circa 710–664 BCE). It is a black basalt slab that is inscribed with hieroglyphs and is considered an important historical and linguistic document.
The Slavic creation myth refers to the various stories and beliefs surrounding the origins of the world and humanity as understood by different Slavic cultures, including Russian, Polish, Czech, and others. While these myths can vary widely due to the diversity of Slavic peoples and their regional traditions, they share some common themes and figures. One prominent element in Slavic mythology is the existence of a primordial chaos from which the world is created.
Special creation is a concept that refers to the belief that certain entities, particularly living organisms, were created by a divine or supernatural being in a deliberate act, distinct from natural processes. This idea often ties into religious or spiritual interpretations of the origins of life and the universe, suggesting that life is the result of intentional design rather than random chance or evolutionary processes. In the context of biological discussions, special creation contrasts with theories like evolution, which propose that species change over time through natural selection and genetic mutation.
Spirit Mountain is a prominent peak located in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada, near the town of Laughlin. It is part of the Spirit Mountain Wilderness Area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The mountain is notable for its cultural significance to Native American tribes, particularly the Mojave people, who regard it as a sacred site. Spirit Mountain is characterized by its striking geological features, including colorful rock formations and rugged terrain.
The Sumerian creation myth is a collection of stories that describe the origins of the universe, the gods, and humankind according to the ancient Sumerians, one of the earliest known civilizations located in present-day southern Iraq. One of the most notable texts that recounts the Sumerian creation myth is the "Eridu Genesis," which provides insight into the beliefs and cosmology of the Sumerian people.
Takatāpui is a term from Māori culture in New Zealand that traditionally refers to a person of the Māori community who identifies as LGBTQIA+. It encompasses a diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities within the context of Māori culture. Takatāpui has its roots in the historical representation of same-sex relationships and gender diversity among Māori, acknowledging that these identities and relationships have existed long before colonization.
The Taíno were an Indigenous people of the Caribbean, primarily found in areas that are now Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Their creation myths, like many indigenous narratives, reflect their beliefs about the origins of the world, humanity, and the relationship between the natural environment and the spiritual world.
Tenrikyo, a new religious movement originating in Japan in the 19th century, has a creation myth that centers around the figure of God the Parent, known as Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. According to Tenrikyo beliefs, God the Parent created the world and humankind with the intention of bringing joy to all. The creation myth describes how God created the universe and then created humans to live in a harmonious society.