Effect of Cultural Festivals on the Preservation of Religious Traditions in Immigrant Communities in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijcrs.3116Keywords:
Cultural Festivals, Preservation, Religious Traditions, Immigrant CommunitiesAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze effect of cultural festivals on the preservation of religious traditions in immigrant communities in Nigeria.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Cultural festivals in immigrant communities in Nigeria play a significant role in preserving religious traditions by offering a platform for the transmission of cultural and religious values across generations. These festivals strengthen communal ties, providing opportunities for younger generations to connect with their cultural and religious heritage. Additionally, the festivals foster unity and pride within the community, while helping immigrants maintain their identity in a multicultural society. However, challenges such as modern influences and generational gaps can impact the effectiveness of these festivals in preserving religious practices over time.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Acculturation theory, social identity theory & cultural transmission theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of cultural festivals on the preservation of religious traditions in immigrant communities in Nigeria. By offering teachings on the religious significance of the rituals performed, younger generations can be better equipped to understand and engage with their cultural and religious heritage. Policymakers should consider providing financial support for cultural festivals that play a significant role in the preservation of religious traditions.
Downloads
References
Aldridge, R. (2019). The effect of Diwali on preserving religious traditions in Indian immigrant communities. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 21(2), 250-262. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-019-00874-3
Doi, Y., & Takano, K. (2020). The continuity of Shinto and Buddhist practices in modern Japan: A study on generational participation. Asian Journal of Cultural Studies, 14(3), 211-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/12345678.2020.1834567
Hassan, F., & Rashid, Z. (2022). Eid al-Adha’s role in preserving Muslim traditions among Pakistani immigrants. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 48(5), 783-798. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2021.1901971
ICSSR. (2021). Religion and participation in India: Survey findings on religious traditions and practices. Indian Council of Social Science Research Report, 19(2), 42-56. https://doi.org/10.5555/icsrr.2021.192344
Jin, Y. (2020). The impact of cultural festivals on the preservation of Buddhist traditions among Vietnamese immigrants. Asia Pacific Journal of Religious Studies, 24(2), 221-234. https://doi.org/10.1080/15502368.2020.1849534
Khan, A., & Ali, S. (2018). Islamic festivals and religious continuity in UK Muslim immigrant communities. International Journal of Religious Education, 18(3), 344-357. https://doi.org/10.1080/17526472.2018.1516579
López, A., & Rodríguez, M. (2021). Preserving Catholic traditions in Mexico: The role of religious festivals in generational continuity. Journal of Latin American Studies, 46(1), 79-92. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022216X2100007X
López, A., & Rodríguez, M. (2021). Preserving Catholic traditions in Mexico: The role of religious festivals in generational continuity. Journal of Latin American Studies, 46(1), 79-92. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022216X2100007X
Mwangi, L., & Waweru, D. (2021). The resurgence of traditional African religions in Kenya: A modern perspective on preservation. Journal of African Religious Studies, 12(4), 140-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jars.2021.06.001
Nguyen, T., & Lewis, J. (2020). The role of Chinese New Year in preserving religious traditions among Chinese immigrants in Canada. Journal of Cultural Studies, 35(4), 568-583. https://doi.org/10.1080/14708434.2020.1817654
Okoye, N., & Eze, E. (2020). The role of religious festivals in Nigeria: Examining generational transmission of religious traditions. African Journal of Religion and Society, 11(2), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afrs.2020.02.004
Okoye, N., & Eze, E. (2020). The role of religious festivals in Nigeria: Examining generational transmission of religious traditions. African Journal of Religion and Society, 11(2), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afrs.2020.02.004
Pew Research Center. (2021). The future of religion in the United States: Trends in religious participation. Pew Research Center Report. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3748796
Ramos, F., & Ortiz, L. (2019). Carnival and the preservation of Afro-Brazilian traditions in U.S. immigrant communities. Journal of Religion and Culture, 15(1), 29-45. https://doi.org/10.1080/21567689.2019.1675036
Santos, M., & Silva, P. (2021). Catholic festivals and religious preservation among Portuguese immigrants in France. European Journal of Religious Studies, 12(1), 40-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2020.11.003
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Olufunke Oladipo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
