An Introduction to Traditional Healing and Protection of the Middle East in Contemporary America
Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Baram, Uzi
Keywords
Sufism, Shi'a, Talisman, Sufi, Amulet, Alternative Medicine, Health, Ritual, Hamza, Iran, Medicine, Shi'ism, Shiism, Sunni, Sunna, Middle East, Xamza
Area of Concentration
International and Area Studies
Abstract
Through my personal experiences and research, I have found that not only are Middle Eastern protection and healing rituals practiced in America, they are relevant to American society and culture as well. This thesis examines the rituals in an academic context, and is an introduction to the subject based on specific examples from publications and from interviews with a range of individuals living in the United States. During the course of the interviews I tried to give my interviewees a clear sense that I have a belief in, and in certain cases experience with, the practices, objects, and rituals that they described. In openly acknowledging my acceptance of their practices, I was able to engage them more comfortably and to allow them to be more open with their beliefs than if I was to present myself as a purely neutral observer. The review of publications and interviews with these individuals are intended to provide perspectives into Middle Eastern healing and protection rituals, which can give the reader points of view to approach these rituals and their context in contemporary America. These Middle Eastern healing and protection rituals are important to American cultural understanding as the views and practices of Middle Eastern people are more commonly held and practiced in America. This thesis explores the relevance of Middle Eastern healing and protection rituals in contemporary America, as well as an exploration of the presented healing and protection rituals themselves.
Recommended Citation
Antoszewski, Michael, "An Introduction to Traditional Healing and Protection of the Middle East in Contemporary America" (2005). Theses & ETDs. 3480.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3480
Rights
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