What is a Ritual?
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The importance of ritual and symbol in sacred and
secular spaces
What is a Ritual?
When trying to describe a ritual it seems appropriate to decide on a definition. A ritual can be defined simply as something that is done regularly and is part of a routine. It will often coincide with a belief or set of rules, either personal or official.
When focussed on even deeper, Grimes (2000, p. 261) suggests that ritual can be split into a broad definition, a form of communication or action, most activities that are regularly done; and a narrow definition, limited only to religious rites and actions that are taken place in religious functions.
There is something meaningful about rituals that allow us to engage in a particular action. Lovat (1995) discusses the assumption that “people are at their most revealing when they are being most natural, and they are most natural when they are engaging in meaningful action or ritual” (p. 21). If it is true that people are in fact at their most natural during a ritual it must be a positive experience, which highlights the importance of rituals immediately.
Lovat (1995, p. 23) attempts to define rituals as events and actions of significance and ceremonies that mark out special moments. These can range from simple daily examples through to highly significant events.
What is the function of rituals and symbols?
When we ask questions such as ‘what is the point?’ and ‘do we have to?’ in regards to rituals and symbols, it is important to focus on the needs of us as participants. These rituals and symbols provide the participants with focus, consistency, reassurance and the chance to reflect.
For example when attending a parade of a culture and/or celebration you are unfamiliar with you are able to rely on what Lovat (1995, p. 24) describes as “Patterns of Action”. The idea being that if you have been exposed to one type of parade you will have an understanding of what each moment in the celebration might mean. When focussing on these images of Anzac Day, they would not be all that different to another type of ritual or commemoration celebrated in another country/culture. It is these “Patterns of Action” that allow participants of lesser knowledge the opportunity to participate or follow.
In regards to the physical symbols themselves they are essential to the ritual. Lovat (1995) defines the ritual as “symbolic itself rather than mundane” (p. 24) when focusing on rituals that involve young people it is these symbols that give clues to the meanings of the actions. Lovat (1995, p. 25) importantly points out that the colour, style and positioning of symbols can provide powerful clues. This is not only important to the ritual itself but overall is “good” pedagogy. There is no greater example of this than the symbols used during celebrations of the church. As depicted in the photos below of the Easter Vigil, the ritual uses symbols which are vital to the celebration itself. One can argue that the colour, style and positioning of these symbols contributes greatly to the engagement, focus and reflection that the participants experience.