Religion In Guyana

Although religion plays a significant role in Guyanese society, the church has a less significant impact on most elements of daily life than it does in other historically Christian nations in the region. The majority of Christians, who make up around half of the population, are Anglicans and Catholics. Islam and Hinduism are practiced by the remaining people. Remember that these religious traditions were not recognized by the government prior to the country's declaration of independence in 1966, but that following that date, many of their most significant festivals were given the same status as national holidays as well as typical Christian occasions. Although there were occasional conflicts between the denominations as a result of this, Guyanese people, who are by nature quite tolerant and appreciative of others, were unaffected.

However, the nation has also maintained a number of historic African and Indian beliefs, which are particularly apparent in folklore and the overt superstition of the populace. The inhabitants not only respect but also venerate a vast pantheon of various spirits and elements of nature, frequently combining them into various Christian or Hindu characters. This explains a number of rituals that appear odd at first glances, like the practice of rubbing hot pepper juice on girls' skin as a cure for "ol-hang" or "Old Witch," the local name for the vampire known in Hindu mythology as "Sukhanti," or the custom of baptizing a tree or other representation of the forces of nature in the forest.