Final answer:
Syncretism is a term referring to the merging or assimilation of rites and practices of cultures, including in art. It occurs when different cultural groups come into contact and adapt each other's traditions and customs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Syncretism is a term referring to the merging or assimilation of rites and practices of cultures. This merging also happens in art. It describes what happens when two different cultures make use of a single symbol. Syncretism often occurs when different cultural groups come into contact and adapt each other's traditions and customs.
Assimilation is another related concept but it implies that a minority group adopts the traits of a dominant culture, losing its original identity. This concept contrasts with syncretism, which implies a more mutual blending of cultures rather than one culture overtaking another. Finally, amalgamation is a process where a minority and majority group combine to form a new culture, often referred to as a "melting pot." This differs from the definition of pluralism, where each culture within society retains its individual characteristics, likened to a "salad bowl" where each ingredient keeps its unique flavor.