Revivals

Revivals are periods or processes in which something experiences renewed life, interest, or activity after a phase of decline or dormancy. The term applies across diverse domains, including religion, culture, media, economics, and community life. Common elements include renewed participation, reactivation of practices, or renewed attention from audiences, funders, or policymakers.

Religious revivals describe intensified religious interest and activity within a community. They are often marked by revival meetings, sermons, and conversions, and may lead to growth of congregations or the formation of new denominations. Notable historical examples include the Great Awakenings in the United States and the Welsh revival of 1904–1905.

Cultural and artistic revivals involve renewed interest in older styles, genres, or media, sometimes spurred by nostalgia or new scholarly or commercial attention. They can reshape contemporary aesthetics, influence fashion, architecture, music, or literature, and may occur as coordinated trends or individual projects. In media, revivals take the form of sequels, reboots, or continuations intended to attract new audiences while appealing to fans of the original work.

Economic and community revivals refer to efforts to restore vitality to neighborhoods, industries, or regional economies, often through investment, policy change, and cultural or civic initiatives. Environmental or ecological terms may describe revival-like processes, such as restoration of species or habitats after decline, though such uses are less common in everyday language. Overall, revivals denote a renewal of energy, function, or relevance across systems.