Religion In Society (Emile Durkheim) Clans Totems Mana

Individuals joined by a bond of kinship because they bear the same name These bonds come with the same kind of reciprocal obligations that come with consanguinality There may be multiple clans within a tribe, but each one has its own unique name clans.

totems. They are usually plants or animals They are usually whole objects, but sometimes they are parts of one They are usually not individuals (Wilbur the pig), but a species or variety of objects (the Pig) The greater the emphasis on the totem, the greater its sacredness totems. Totems Defined

WHO CAN EAT, TOUCH, AND LOOK AT TOTEMIC BEINGS? Do not eat the totemic being . . unless in a sacred ritual Exception: Eating in small quantities Exception: Eating the sacred parts Exception: Eating an immature totem Do not kill (or pick) the totemic being Do not touch the totemic being WHO CAN EAT, TOUCH, AND LOOK AT TOTEMIC BEINGS? totems. Managing Totemic Beings

totems. WHY DO WE NEED SYMBOLS? Totems aren’t just names. You’re obligated to WEAR the totem as proof of your identity Changes in your body, hairstyle, clothing, features, tattoos Painted pictures of the totem on shields, weapons, banners, flags, doors, side of your house, etc. WHY DO WE NEED SYMBOLS? totems. The Sign Of The Totem

totems. Take us back to the sacred! Churingas, nurtunjas, waningas . . . oh my! “But Mommy, that doesn’t look like an elk!” Be careful storing your churingas. Those things are “contagious”. totems. Totemic Images, Tools, and Places

totems. How I can be a MAN and a NITTANY LION and a WILDCAT! Rules of sacredness. Women, initiates, and that old guy at the bar Brother Bear and Bre’r Rabbit Maybe God IS one of us totems. BE THE TOTEM!

Society’s need for integration explains the overwhelming power of the society to control its members Religion’s role is to LEGITIMATE society’s norms. It does that through our collective consciousness The force of our connection to god (ok . . Society) and the commands it impresses on us is so strong, we feel like it is something external to us. It is. mana.

mana. “God’s” Physical and Moral Superiority “Collective Effervescence” The Soul As “My Own Private Mana” Negative Cults and Positive Cults mana.