Ancestor Cults

In many cosmogonies of Asia, as in similar myths in other parts of the world, the creation of the world is followed by the creation of beings who become the ancestors of the human race. In Laos, for example, New Year celebrations feature the return of the first ancestors decked in elaborate masks. The worship of ancestors of particular clans or families is particularly important in Hinduism (see Hinduism) and Buddhism (see Buddhism) as well as in Shintoism (see Shinto) and Confucianism (see Confucianism).