Religious Rituals Research Articles

Rebranding God: The Jewish Revival Movement between Homeland and Diaspora

Against the gloomy forecast of “The Vanishing Diaspora”, the end of the second millennium saw the global emergence of a dazzling array of Jewish cultural initiatives, institutional modalities, and individual practices. These “Jewish Revival” and “Jewish Renewal” projects are led by Jewish NGOs and philanthropic organizations, the Orthodox Teshuva (return to the fold) movement and its well-known emissary Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidism, and alternative cultural initiatives that promote what can be termed “lifestyle Judaism”. This range between institutionalized revival movements and ephemeral event-driven projects circumscribes a diverse space of creative agency. Indeed, the trope of a “Jewish Renaissance” has become both a descriptive category of an increasingly popular and scholarly discourse across the globe, and a prescriptive model for social action. This article explores the global transformations of contemporary Jewishness, which give renewed meaning to identity, tradition, and politics in our post-secular world in two different sociopolitical contexts. Drawing on long-term ethnographic research, we interrogate the relations between “diaspora” and “homeland” by analyzing two case studies: the Jewish revival movement in Budapest, Hungary, and the Jewish renewal initiatives in Israel. While the first instantiates a diasporic movement anchored in a post-denominational and post-secular attempt to reclaim Jewish tradition for a new generation of Jew-llennials (Millennial Jews), the second group operates against the Orthodox hegemony of the institutional Rabbinate by revisiting religious ritual and textual study. By proposing new cultural repertoires, these movements highlight the dialectic exchange between center and periphery. The ethnography of religious revival decenters the Israeli Orthodoxy as “the homeland” and positions the diaspora at the core of a network of cultural creativity and renewal, while remaining in constant dialog with Israel and other diasporic communities.

Identity work responses to workplace stigmatization: Power positions, authenticity, religious coping and religious accommodation for skilled practising Muslim professionals

AbstractDespite the challenges Muslims face because of their stigmatized religious identity, little is known about how they navigate that identity in the workplace. Adopting an interpretivist perspective of identity work, this study investigates this issue by building on two‐round in‐depth interviews (35 in round‐one and 21 in round‐two) with skilled practising British Muslim professionals. It extends work on power positions to show the privileges those in senior managerial positions have, including assertiveness and control over workplace interactions and outcomes. It further advances understanding of authenticity, revealing that, despite their experiences of stigmatization, these professionals tend to remain true to their religious identity, openly practising their religion in the workplace. They perceive identity re‐interpretation to be part of authenticity, and a responsibility to contest religious stigma. Importantly, this study conceptualizes proactive religious coping as an identity work response to workplace stigmatization, theorized in this organizational context as turning to God and religious rituals for meaning, comfort, resilience and reconciliation, whilst also being proactive and fighting to challenge experiences of stigmatization. However, unlike for other stigmatized groups, inclusive organizational practices, particularly religious accommodation, are not a driver for authenticity, but rather a signal for environment‐fit and authenticity is instead driven by religious identity.

Impact of environmental change on the indigenous belief system of the Bayso Community of Gidicho Island, Southern Ethiopia

The environment and human existence are inextricably intertwined. Consequently, alterations in the environment’s natural characteristics can lead to severe resource shortages. This affects the institutions that have been crucial in shaping and guiding human lives and preserving the environment’s richness, as well as the endeavours of communities to sustain their livelihoods. This article examines the impact of environmental change on the indigenous belief system of the Bayso community of Gidicho Island, southern Ethiopia. Ethnographic data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and photographs. The results showed that environmental change on Gidicho Island and its environs has disrupted the socio-economic and cultural life of the Bayso, essentially their religious rituals. Thus, we advise the federal government to amend the country’s development policies that exacerbate environmental degradation and intervene to reduce the effects of poverty on the resource-use behaviours of its people.

Inculturation of Luhya Birth and Naming Rituals in Christian Worship: A Study of The Baptist Church in Vihiga County, Kenya

African Christians are in a dilemma of whether to fully embrace western-prejudiced Christianity or to stick to their traditional forms of faith. Influenced by the fear of syncretic worship, the Baptist church in Vihiga County, which is out rightly committed to Western Christianity condemns and opposes Africans who embrace their traditional religious rituals and rites. Despite this, the Luhya community who profess the Christian faith secretly are adamant in practicing their birth and naming religious rituals in worship. The paper argues that inculturation of Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals in Christian worship in the Baptist church in Vihiga County, Kenya has a significant impact on the survival of Christian message among its membership. The faith that does not become culture is not a lived faith. The study was informed by animism and sociological theories. Descriptive research design was employed with qualitative approaches of analysis. The sample size of the study was 221 participants comprising 183 Lay Christian and 38 Key informants (16 Pastors and 22 Church Leaders). The findings revealed that many Baptist Christians are resistant to inculturate Luhya rites and rituals of birth and naming into their worship, instead they condemn them and those that perform such rituals. This resistance makes them live inauthentic Christian life within their cultural context. The study recommended the Church leadership, theologians, and scholars to advocate for values in Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals that are consistent with Christian worship

Enhancing immersive sensation at the Iwami Kagura performance space using omnidirectional speakers: a case study of the worship halls at Shrines in the Iwami region, Japan

Iwami Kagura, originated from Iwami region in western Shimane, Japan-is a religious rituals narrating Japanese mythology has been persevered through centuries, maintaining its relevance in the present time. These religious rituals mainly dedicated to gods, features dynamic masked dance, fast music and vibrant costume creating an immersive experience for diverse audiences. The Iwami Kagura performances are popular inside and outside of Japan making a source of tourism for the region. Originally, Iwami Kagura was performed in the worship halls at shrines, therefore, it is important to understand the sacred atmosphere created by the performance considering acoustic measures that make the space immersive. In this study, we focused on the Iwami Kagura performed at worship halls of two shrines and compared the acoustic effects of omnidirectional speakers in both the shrines. Usually, directional speakers are used to amplify parts of performers' voices and music, however, performing space at shines are small in volume, and the directional speakers will provide strong direct sound to performers' voices and sound of flute. Thus, we studied acoustic characteristics of performance space within the precincts of the shrines, the acoustic effects of loudspeakers used and improved sense of presence using omnidirectional speakers.

Dharmagita Dalam Pelaksanaan Upacara Yajña Di Kecamatan Tegallalang Kabupaten Gianyar

Dharmagita in the religious and social life of Hindus is a form of offering sound art as a form of offering. Dharmagita is always present in Hindu religious ceremonies in Tegallalang District, giving the impression that the dharmagita accompanies the yajña. This research aims to examine the use of dharmagita in the yajña ceremony in Tegallalang sub-district, Gianyar district, and to discover the elements of Hindu philosophy contained in dharmagita. In general, this research aims to explore and provide a clear understanding of dharmagita and its use in yajña ceremony in Tegallalang District, Gianyar Regency, Hindu philosophy studies. This research uses three theories, functional structural theory, religious theory, and symbol theory to examine the dharmagita problem in Tegallalang district. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach, which took the research location in the tegallalang sub-district, because it is seen from the phenomenon of socio-religious life in communities located in the transition area between sub-district and rural areas. The data sources in this research use primary data sources and secondary data sources. The results of this research confirm that dharmagita is a form of sound art offered to God in the yajña ceremony, including the god yajña, butha yajña, manusa yajña, pitra yajña, and rsi yajña ceremonies. Hindu philosophy in the dharmagita includes tattwa teachings which emphasize the divine aspect and have implications for increasing the sraddha and bhakti of the people in the yajña ritual.

Embracing mortality: psychological preparation on death in the guidance of stoic philosophy

Humanity's greatest fear is the inevitability of death, the ultimate fate that all strive to evade. This collective dread of mortality stems from its perceived malevolence. Across the ages, from religious rituals promising salvation to scientific efforts to delay death, human attempts to confront mortality vary widely. Yet death remains inescapable, a natural consequence of life. While religious doctrines offer comfort through ideas of an afterlife, and science views death as a biological challenge to be postponed. Conversely, philosophy advocates for an intellectual acceptance of death's inevitability. The Stoic Philosophy, in particular, advocate for the joyful acceptance of death as an integral part of life. This philosophical stance fosters a positive perspective on death, encouraging individuals to live life to its fullest potential. Embracing death with joy entails psychological reassurance and preparatory measures for life's inevitable end. This qualitative study explores psychological preparation for death using primary and secondary data sources. Primary sources include the philosophical texts by Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, specifically "Letters to Lucilius," "On the Shortness of Life," and "Meditations." Secondary data is collected from peer-reviewed journals, books, and reports that contextualize these works within modern psychological frameworks. The primary audience includes individuals preparing for death due to age or illness and those grieving loved ones, offering a pathway to peace and understanding through Stoic wisdom. Moreover, this will be a guidance to those who work with the terminally ill people to get psychological resilience. By embracing death, Stoicism encourages both the dying and the bereaved to find psychological reassurance and encourage all to live a meaningful life in the given time frame.

Penerapan Kearifan Lokal Samosir dalam Mengeksplorasi Bentuk-Bentuk Geometri

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the Batak people in Samosir use their local knowledge to understand geometric shapes. The literature review research method, which is a data collection strategy focused on the evaluation of relevant and current scientific literature related to the research problem, is used in this publication. The data sources in the study came from Google Scholar, Scopus, and SINTA. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the data analysis show that the way local knowledge is applied to the study of geometric forms shows how Batak culture has used geometric principles in religious ceremonies as well as art and construction. In addition to having a practical and aesthetic purpose, these geometric shapes have a deep philosophical feel that enhances the cultural identity and bond of the community with nature and its ancestors. Through the local wisdom of the Batak people in Samosir, geometric ideas have been successfully identified and applied to various parts of their lives, including traditional house buildings, traditional artifacts, and ulos weaving crafts. Overall, this study shows how the concept of geometry is used organically by Batak local wisdom, which is essential for preserving community peace, fostering cultural identity, and fostering spiritual ties with nature and ancestors.

Determination of Comfort Levels and Spiritual Care Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Patients with Abdominal Drains: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study in Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the comfort levels and spiritual care needs of gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains. The study was conducted with 61 gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains at the gynecologic oncology surgery clinic of a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Participant Information Form," "Perianesthesia Comfort Questionnaire (PCQ)", and "Spiritual Care Needs Inventory". Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. It was found that the postoperative comfort of the patients in this study was above a moderate level. Patients who did not need spiritual care, did not fulfil religious rituals regularly and did not receive social support had a high level of comfort in the early postoperative period. Patients with gynecologic cancer were found to have high spiritual care needs. Patients without chronic diseases, possessing a single abdominal drain, familiar with the concept of spiritual care, expressing a need for spiritual care, engaging in regular religious rituals, and enjoying social support were identified as having elevated spiritual care needs. Within the framework of holistic nursing care provided to gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains, the results reveal the necessity of spiritual care and the importance of comfort.

An Analysis on Caste Practices and the Vulnerabilities Faced by Burial Ground Workers in Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state combined with multi-religious, multi-ethnic and inequality. Formally, Caste is being an indispensable part of cremation process. Whether it is traditional or new techniques it all based on the caste practices followed by each community. The aim of the study is to analysis the caste practices and the vulnerabilities faced by cremation ground workers. It deals with the burying process and preparation of crematorium. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the status and caste differences faced by the crematorium workers in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. The objectives of the Study have discussed to study the discrimination faced by burial ground workers. To analysis the impact of discrimination and the status of crematory workers. To Enact an inclusive policy to build up the marginalized cremation workforce in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. Result of the study implementing the policy measures to create a more inclusive, social and economic equality for the burial ground workers, addressing longstanding gender and caste disparities. These policies aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for burial ground workers by addressing gender and caste disparities. Formalizing employment, enacting anti-discrimination laws, and ensuring job security will offer stability and recognition for those in this essential industry, fostering social justice and equality. Findings of the study on Caste intersects with class, gender, and religion, creating complex layers of discrimination that particularly affect burial ground workers, who often face social stigma and marginalization. Predominantly from lower caste, these workers endure systemic discrimination, low wages, job insecurity, and significant occupational hazards, such as exposure to pathogens and harsh working conditions, all while playing a crucial role in public health and the execution of cultural and religious rituals. Living in segregated communities, their families experience social ostracism and limited access to essential services, yet they demonstrate resilience through community solidarity, with local organizations advocating for their rights and improved conditions. Conclusion of the study have the caste system's deep-rooted influence continues to affect Indian society, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts toward social justice. Burial ground workers play a critical, yet often overlooked, role, facing social stigma and poor working conditions. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, social, and economic interventions. Recognizing their contributions and vulnerabilities has been essential for fostering greater inclusivity and equality in the society. This study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting these workers to promote social progress.

Research on animation design of woodblock print characters based on audience aesthetic differences

Traditional woodblock prints are a kind of Chinese folk traditional painting art, with a long history and unique artistic style. It has a long history and unique artistic style. The richness of its themes and wide range of applications cover many aspects such as New Year festivals, wedding banquets and birthday celebrations, religious rituals and lanterns and toys. The wide range of themes and wide range of applications of woodblock prints creates a rich and colourful connotation, especially traditional stories and character images, which constitute an important part of the woodblock prints, there are very rich story resources and character resources in the woodblock prints for animation creators to refer to, different creators of woodblock prints have different understandings and re-designs, and the audience has mixed feelings about the effect of character design. With the development of modern animation production technology and the increasing attention to traditional culture, more and more practitioners have begun to explore the animation of story characters in the non-heritage culture, and this paper aims to explore the feasible path of animation of the elements in woodblock prints under the aesthetic differences.

The Janus Face of Morality & the Two Roots of Moral Foundations

Purpose: The intrinsic dynamics of altruism have not been adequately addressed in the morality literature. This study reduces the gap by constructing a framework, in the triangle of self, sacrifice and morality. Theoretical Framework: Regular meditative processes accompanied by a mantra, increases the value projection capacity of the self, and therefore increases the value attributed to human and transcendent conceptions; while liberals and conservatives project different levels of value on these conceptions in the first place. As a result of the increase, sensitivity to the difference between things that happen and (moral) things that should happen increases and attempts to bridge this gap, often require altruism. Method: To test this framework, altruism level of 230 subjects towards 'human' and 'transcendent conceptions' (THCS) was measured and associated with the MFQ, and the frequency of transcendental meditative experiences of the same sample was questioned. Results and Discussion: While sacrifice towards human was equally correlated with five foundations of the MFQ, sacrifice towards transcendent conceptions correlated at a higher level with only the binding foundations. It was also observed that those who conduct transandantal-meditative states via various rituals, and especially those who experienced ‘awe’ during these processes, achieved significantly higher scores on both the THCS and the MFQ as a whole. Finally, the morality literature was assessed with the help of the current theoretical framework. Research Implications: It seems that ancient rituals are powerful tools for the establishment of morality. Orginality: The relationship between morality and ‘religious ritual induced awe’ has been questioned statistically for the first time through the MFQ.

Spiritual Challenges of Family Caregivers of Patients in a Vegetative State: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: Spirituality helps family caregivers of vegetative state patients to overcome the stressful conditions of patient care. However, the illness and caregiver burden may also negatively affect the caregiver’s spirituality. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the challenges of family caregivers of patients in a vegetative state. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted through conventional content analysis from August 2020 to September 2021 in two provinces of Iran (Sistan and Baluchestan and Khorasan Razavi). A total of 20 family caregivers of patients in a vegetative state were included in the study. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. Data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman via MAXQDA2020 software. Data collection continued until data saturation and identification of main categories. Results: Based on data analysis, spiritual disintegration and spiritual coherence were identified as the two main categories to describe the spiritual challenges of family caregivers of patients in a vegetative state. The experiences of family caregivers showed that spirituality is effective in accepting the conditions and adapting to the role of the patient caregiver. However, illness and caregiver burden lead to spiritual damage and the turning away of family caregivers from performing religious rites and rituals. Conclusion: Considering the undeniable role of spirituality in dealing with the stressful situation of caring for a patient in a vegetative state, the spiritual needs of family caregivers and the implementation of nursing interventions to enhance the spiritual health of caregivers should be given more attention.

Medical examiner service in children’s deaths: a survey of current practice in paediatric intensive care units in England and Wales

IntroductionA statutory system of medical examiners (ME) was introduced in England and Wales in September 2024. The next of kin will be given the opportunity to speak to the ME...

Nilai Islam dalam Tradisi Haul Masyarakat Muslim Desa Gubugsari

Haul tradition is one of the religious rituals that is still preserved by the Muslim community in Gubugsari village. Haul is a commemoration of the death of someone who is considered to have privileges, such as ulama, kiai, or respected community leaders. This ritual is generally carried out every year on the day of the death of the person being commemorated. In the context of Gubugsari village, the haul tradition has become an inseparable part of the life of the local Muslim community. This ritual is not only a form of respect for the commemorated person, but also a forum for the community to strengthen ties, strengthen religious identity, and preserve Islamic values that have taken root in local culture. As the haul tradition in the village of Gubugsari, Pegandon Subdistrict, Kendal Regency, which until now still carries out the haul tradition because the person who is honored is mbah Abdul Wahab as a respected figure by the Muslim community, especially in the village. To see the values of these traditions, researchers are interested in further examining the values of the haul tradition of cengklian and ndangdoan in the socio-religious life of the Candimulyo village community, Sedan sub-district, Rembang district. The method used in this research is qualitative method, data collection techniques in this research using observation, documentation and interviews. The subjects in this study were the people of Gubusari village, both those who joined the committee and those involved in the haul tradition event The results of this study indicate that the haul tradition has a form of a series of haul event contents, namely the practices performed during the pilgrimage as a medium for the tradition. The benefits of religious values are increasing our devotion to Allah SWT

Cultural Perspectives on Financial Accountability in a Balinese Traditional Village

Abstract This study aims to develop accountability practices that harmonize with the local spiritual culture in the Jimbaran traditional village. The current accountability practices are viewed not just as formal procedures but also as informal practices involving moral and ethical relationships with God. An ethnomethodological study integrated with Catur Marga culture as a critical perspective revealed the problem of delays in submitting accountability reports due to the shift in the cultural meaning of “ngayah” and the shift in the implementation of religious ceremonies from spiritual practices to more formal activities. These problems can be addressed by synergizing Catur Marga principles with accountability practices. First, involve community representatives, religious leaders, and traditional elders in the village's financial management, as in regular meetings to align the vision and mission to strengthen the “ngayah” motivation in governance and financial accountability. Second, the traditional village governments must consistently provide Dharmawacana and management accounting training to balance scientific knowledge with traditional spiritual–cultural knowledge. Last is the development of the Catur Marga-based Pararem, which regulates the technical aspects of financial management accountability and should be synchronized with the spirit of devotion to God to preserve the local spiritual culture in the Jimbaran traditional village.

Factors associated with six-minute walk distance among Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims

The Hajj pilgrimage is a physically demanding religious rite that is associated with the health status of pilgrims. Several factors are associated with functional limitations. We aimed to determine the relationship between clinical data and six-minute walk test (6-MWT) findings. The 6-MWT is a measure of functional capacity that is routinely applied to Indonesian pilgrim candidates before they embark on the Hajj. This cross-sectional study analysed Indonesian Hajj pilgrimage data obtained from 2,933 participants before their departure for the Hajj in 2022. The data included participants’ characteristics, laboratory results, and six-minute walk findings. The resulting aggregates were analysed using Pearson correlations. Serum creatinine significantly correlated with 6-MWT findings (r = 0.003; p <0.05). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) values and platelet counts were significantly associated with 6-MWT results (r = 0.101 and 0.038, respectively; p <0.05). Serum creatinine, LDL-C, and platelet values were associated with increased 6-MWT, indicating a correlation with functional capacity among Hajj pilgrims.

Makna Simbolik dalam Tradisi Adat Khatam Al-Qur’an Pada Acara Pernikahan Oleh Masyarakat Desa Sekernan Muaro Jambi

Every Muslim has various forms of interaction with the Qur'an. For example, the people of Sekernan Village make the recitation of khataman al-Qur'an part of the traditional wedding procession. In practice, this tradition has a unique procession that acculturates with local culture. Therefore, the community makes this tradition a religious ritual in the form of meaningful symbols that are believed to have a positive influence on the sustainability of building a household. So, this research aims to look at the procession and the meaning behind the practice. Using Clifford Geertz's theory, it is used as an analysis to find the meaning behind the symbols in the traditional tradition of khatam al-Qur'an. The results of this study show that there are several series of customs that must be carried out by the bride before reading the Qur'an. Among them are the procession of processions, weighing, then reading the khatam al-Qur'an starting from surah al-Duha to surah an-Nas accompanied by the Koran teacher and his parents. In addition, this tradition also has symbols that relate to the concept of religion, namely in the form of religious education, birrul walidain, and privileges that are believed to have ultimate meaning, so that it continues to be maintained to this day.

Exploration of the Reading of Surah Mu’awwidzatain at the Ashabul Yamin Lasi Tuo Pondok Pesantren: A Study of the Living Quran in the Context of Spiritual Development of Santri

This research focuses on the practice of articulating the al-Falaq and an-Naas at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin Lasi Tuo, which has become an essential part of the santri spiritual lives. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through direct observation, in-depth interviews with the santri and the managers of the wirid activities, and related documentation. Key informants in this study provide insights into how these surahs are integrated into daily routines and how this practice is embraced and understood by the madrasah community. The findings of this research reveal that the articulation of the mu’awwidzatain surahs at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin has a significant impact on the spiritual development of the santri. This practice not only offers protection from external disturbances but also serves as a tool for developing inner strength, peace of mind, and discipline in daily life. Santri engaged in this practice shows improvements in focus, tranquillity, and determination, all of which are the results of deep reflection on the teachings of these surahs. However, this study also identifies some challenges in the implementation of this tradition, particularly in maintaining its consistency and relevance amid social and environmental changes. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of religious rituals in shaping the spiritual identity of santri in madrasah. Traditions such as the articulation of the mu’awwidzatain surahs should not only be seen as part of the religious curriculum but also as a vital means of instilling deep moral and spiritual values. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and develop this tradition while adapting it to the dynamics and challenges faced in the modern era.

Smart village - new strategy for the development of Piniq’s reality

Finiq is an Albanian municipality located near the ancient city of Phoeniciae in southern Albania. It is located a few kilometres from the Greek border and a few kilometers from the Ionian Sea. Finiq is located almost at the foot of the slope of the hill on which this ancient city had developed, almost to represent its contemporary continuity. Many problems have plagued this village, including depopulation, isolation from the main roads of the region, and a loss of identity. Analyzing the city of Finiq, however, many resources can be used for greater enhancement of the municipality. What characterizes them is the strategic position close to the elongated and characteristic hill, from whose summit you can admire all the pan- orama, from the plain to the hills to Lake Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city of Phoinike has developed on top of the relief and is a settlement that finds its most accomplished monumental expression around the middle of the third century B.C. also becoming the capital of the region, of which today some traces remain, such as the cyclopean walls, the ancient entrance, the theatre. Among the most important archaeological emergencies of the area, in fact, there is the mon- astery of San Nicola, which stands on a hill, surrounded by the wide bend of the river Bistricta. The ancient complex included a large wall with seven watchtowers, of which today only a few traces remain. Within the walls survives only the Byzantine monument, still used by the community for the celebration of their religious rites. Other small villages were merged into the municipality of Finiq, such as Aliko, Dhiver, Livad- hja, and Mesopotam. Finiq and the other towns could be conceived from the perspective of a smart village, enhancing the strengths of rural reality, and starting a transformation from tourism: the naturalistic and historical cultural potential can allow the villages of the area to become an important attraction of the area, obtaining visibility and funding for its development. By smart village, we mean a rural area that, starting from its potential, tries to find solutions for its territory. At the basis of this challenge are the communities themselves that implement a series of strategies and shared projects to achieve a common goal: the development and growth of their rural area. In conclusion, this study aims to analyze other "smart" villages in Europe, which started from the enhancement of their heritage for the development of their area: each area is different from the others and each project is different from the others, but the common results are comparable. From these "case studies", it will be possible to under- stand how Finiq can become "smart", and which approach is needed to strengthen the area.