Ritual Patterned, recurring sequence of events Morning, bedtime, workout, TV, Homework rituals. These ritual activities are secular (non-religious)

Ritual Religious Rituals Involves religious paraphernalia/symbols like prayers, offerings, sacred literature recitations, etc.

Ritual and Myth They are interrelated and form the basis of religious practices A Ritual may derive its methods and directives from Myth. A ritual can reenact mythology, therefore bringing the sacred to the present for participants. Ex: Heb Sed ritual Myths provide the basis for a society’s morals and values. Rituals are the vehicle with which these values are imparted to the group. Myth: Egyptian creation story: Egypt = balance Ritual: Pharaoh creates/maintains balance.

General Classifications of Ritual Prescriptive Rituals Required to be performed either by a religious text, a deity/religious authority or dictated by tradition Ex: Prayers/recitations/communion in Catholic Mass Ex: Yom Habikkurim (Shavuot) the “Day of the First Fruits” to celebrate the giving of the 10 Commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai. Also marks beginning of wheat harvest. Ex: Offering to spirit of ancestors, ancient Egypt

General Classifications of Ritual Situational/Crisis Rituals Arise “as needed,” usually in times of crisis Ex: Boston Marathon, Stokes and Southwest Expressway

General Classifications of Ritual cont. Periodic Periodic (also called Calendrical) rituals are performed on a regular basis as part of a religious calendar Ex: Daily prayers of Islam: One of the 5 pillars of faith mentioned earlier in connection with the Pentacle. Prayers must be performed at dawn, midday, midafternoon, sunset and nightfall as commanded by the prophet Mohammad.

General Classifications of Ritual cont. Periodic Ex: Diwali Hindu festival of lights. Performed on the darkest night of the month of Kartik. A reenactment of Myth in which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana return to their kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The lights represent a celebration of the return and cleansing of spiritual darkness. May also relate to the harvest season.

General Classifications of Ritual cont. Periodic Many Periodic Rituals are associated with the Agricultural Calendar (i.e. when crops are planted/harvested) Ex: Samhain (Loreena McKennitt’s All Souls Night) Means “November” in Gaelic. Marks the end of the Harvest season and regarded as the traditional Irish New Year. A time to gather and take inventory of crops, animals and supplies for Winter. Large, central bonfire created to bring community together. Divination used to foresee future spouse, children, agricultural success. Related to Catholic All Souls Night/Day (remembrance of the faithfully departed), Dia De Los Muertos and our Halloween.

General Classifications of Ritual cont. Occasional Rituals Occasional Rituals performed when a particular need arises as in marriage and death or to bring about change, or to ensure survival: Ex: Ghost Dance