Exploring RitualsRobert Croker, Nanzan University

Seasonal Rituals

Seasonal Cycle RitualsDefinition: rituals which are celebrated at different points through the year.Two (+ one) types: � seasonal rituals: agricultural practices: to harmonize social activities with seasonal rhythms, or to try to influence nature. � commemorative rituals: historical remembering: to establish a link between past and present, and to reaffirm basic cultural attitudes, behviours, and identities.(� life rituals: associated with the life cycle)

New Year

New Year

New Year

New Year

� (Setsubun) 2�3�

Doll’s Day and Boy’s Day

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autumn harvest festivals

Exchange Rituals

Exchange RitualsDefinition: rituals when people make offerings to god(s) with the expectation of receiving something in return i.e. an explicit exchange by which humans provide sustenance to divine powers in return for divine contributions to human well-being.

Two types: Concrete – a good harvest or long lifeAbstract – spiritual redemption

Affliction Rituals

Affliction RitualsDefinition: rituals which seek to mitigate the influence of spirits thought to be afflicting humans with misfortune.Process:a cleansing or healing ritual is undertaken to mitigate the influence of spirits by purging the body and mind of impurities that have disturbed the mind-body stateNotes: across cultures, the pollution is often defined differently and so are the remedies.

Feasting Rituals

Feasting RitualsDefinition: rituals in which people publicly express their membership, commitment and adherence to a particular community and basic set of values.

Common elements: sharing food and drink, dancing and entertainment, the inversion of social norms and conventions.

Notes: often occur seasonally.