Popular Marian Rituals in Lebanon: An Opportunity for Christian-Muslim Encounter and Lebanese National Identity

Abstract

This research is an introductory study to popular Marian rituals in Lebanon. It seeks to understand the popular Marian rituals in Lebanon practiced by both Christians and Muslims and the implications they have on Christian-Muslim encounter in this context. Through nine interviews with Lebanese participants, Popular Marian Rituals in Lebanon discovers two of the most commonly-mentioned Marian rituals: the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation and going to Our Lady of Lebanon – Harissa. These two popular Marian rituals, along with other, smaller-scale rituals and popular Marian beliefs, contribute to a unique environment that allows for Christian-Muslim encounter in Lebanon. Despite a lack of consensus as for how the symbol of the Virgin Mary does or does not lead to productive Christian-Muslim encounter, the results show that Lebanese individuals who are already interested in and/or seeking interreligious encounter and dialogue believe the best way to encourage it further is by using the Virgin Mary as a common point of reverence between Christians and Muslims. Furthermore, this essay touches on the increased sense of Lebanese national identity as a result of popular Marian rituals.