Editing Veneration of the dead (section)

==North Africa==
In Egypt, a form of [[adorcism]] entwined with veneration of the dead, which one academic referred to as "ghost riders". A ghost who came to possess a person would be honored with a dedicated grave monument or sanctuary, where locals would make offerings and swear oaths. Those who swore false oaths may be punished by the ghost in residence. This ghost was considered both powerful and something for others to fear. These ghosts are not necessarily saints (in fact, those who hold these beliefs believe very holy persons never possess others in this way, as they are always in the presence of God), but like saints, they function as intermediaries with God.  In some cases these may be family shrines, which are not frequented by outsiders, but some (usually older shrines) are frequented by many.  When asking for aid from one of these spirits, one may often pledge an animal sacrifice upon aid being rendered, which is also done with saints.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Winkler |first=Hans Alexander |title=Ghost Riders of Upper Egypt}}</ref>