Week 2 - Ritual Flashcards
According to Hendry what is ritual?
Ritual is “behaviour prescribed by society in which individuals have little choice about their actions”.
According to Kertzer what is ritual?
Ritual is “standardised, repetitive behaviour that is wrapped in a web of symbolism”.
According to Boyer why is ritual universal?
Over the process of evolution our brain our brains have become ‘wired’ to be fascinated by ritual.
What are rites of intensification and what is there purpose?
Communal events, often seasonal, display social structure, EG: Anzac dawn parade. There purpose is to reinforce group solidarity; create a sense of nationhood and identification.
What is a rite of passage?
Rituals marked in transition from one symbolic state to another
Who first introduced the concept ‘rites of passage’ and when ?
Arnold Van Gennep in 1909
According to Van Gennep what are rites of passage?
“Rites which accompany every change of place, state, social position and age”
What three main types of rite did Van Gennep identify, give an example of each?
Rites of Separation (farewells), EG: Powhiri
Rites of Liminality (neither one thing or the another, typically uncomfortable and/or dangerous), EG: Whaikorero
Rites of Reintegration (welcomings), EG: Hongi
What rituals did Victor Turner distinguish, describe and give examples for each?
Rituals of Affliction - EG: Maori whakanoa rituals Removing tape to prevent affliction by Atua; (Rituals of purification) Move from a state of spiritual affliction or influence to a state of freedom from affliction.
Life cycle/life crisis rituals - EG: birth initiation, death, marriages; involves each of the three main types of the ‘rites of passage’ identified by Van Gennep.
