Syncretism

noun/ˈsɪŋkɹəˌtɪzm̩/religion

Definition

The blending of different beliefs, traditions, or systems into one.

Etymology

From Latin syncretismus, from Ancient Greek συγκρητισμός (sunkrētismós, “federation of Cretan cities”), from συγκρητίζω (sunkrētízō, “to unite against a common enemy”), from σύν (sún, “together”) (see English syn-) + Κρῆτες (Krêtes, “Cretans”). By surface analysis, syn- +‎ Crete +‎ -ism (“Crete joining together”).

Synonyms

syncresis (rare, often proscribed)

In a sentence

The festival is a syncretism of two older rites.