Circassian Habzism in the context of "Modern paganism"

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⭐ Core Definition: Circassian Habzism

The Adyghe Khabze or Circassian Khabze, also known as Khabzism, is the worldview and moral code of the Circassian people. Traditionally associated with Circassian paganism, which itself is no longer dominant in Circassian society, it dictates that a Circassian must always live according to rules defined by the Khabze with little exceptions. Tenets of the Khabze include being especially respectful towards elders and (for men) women; a policy of endogamous marriage to protect Circassian culture; and exemplifying the values of truthfulness, honour, and bravery. Though it draws on thousands of years of Circassian history, Khabze is evolving and ever-changing, and is reformed to fit the needs of the Circassian community. This is usually led by a thʹamaté (Adyghe: тхьэмадэ, lit.'regional elder').

Khabze, as a set of laws, includes the norms and moral principles that determine an individual's behaviour. It represents social rules in all areas of life. However, the set of rules and regulations of Khabze are not static and were not officially defined in the past. Khabze almost ceased to exist in Circassia following the Circassian genocide, which was perpetrated by the Russian Empire in the 19th century.

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👉 Circassian Habzism in the context of Modern paganism

Modern paganism, also known as neopaganism and contemporary paganism, is a range of new religious movements variously influenced by the beliefs of pre-modern peoples across Europe, North Africa, and the Near East. Despite some common similarities, contemporary pagan movements are diverse, sharing no single set of beliefs, practices, or religious texts. Scholars of religion may study the phenomenon as a movement divided into different religions, while others study neopaganism as a decentralized religion with an array of denominations.

Adherents rely on pre-Christian, folkloric, and ethnographic sources to a variety of degrees; many of them follow a spirituality that they accept as entirely modern, while others claim to adhere to prehistoric beliefs, or else, they attempt to revive indigenous religions as accurately as possible. Modern pagan movements are frequently described on a spectrum ranging from reconstructive, which seeks to revive historical pagan religions; to eclectic movements, which blend elements from various religions and philosophies with historical paganism. Polytheism, animism, and pantheism are common features across pagan theology. Modern pagans can also include atheists, upholding virtues and principles associated with paganism while maintaining a secular worldview. Humanistic, naturalistic, or secular pagans may recognize deities as archetypes or useful metaphors for different cycles of life, or reframe magic as a purely psychological practice.

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