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INTRODUCING RITUALINTRODUCING RITUAL
Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.
Professor of Religious StudiesProfessor of Religious Studies
John Carroll UniversityJohn Carroll University
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 22
What Is Ritual?What Is Ritual? ““A specific and usually repeated complex A specific and usually repeated complex
‘language’ of paradigmatic word and ‘language’ of paradigmatic word and gesture.” gesture.”
Intentional acts done in the same way to Intentional acts done in the same way to effect the same purpose ...effect the same purpose ...
Rituals may be religious or “secular,” Rituals may be religious or “secular,” depending upon context, intention, depending upon context, intention, etcetc. .
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 33
What Is Religious Ritual?What Is Religious Ritual?
ReligiousReligious ritual is: ritual is:– A repeated complex of word and gesture …A repeated complex of word and gesture …– That refers “to essential structures of the universe,That refers “to essential structures of the universe,– And paradigmatic modes of being….”And paradigmatic modes of being….”
All the key facets of religion (creed, code, cult, All the key facets of religion (creed, code, cult, community) intersect in religious ritual.community) intersect in religious ritual.
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 44
Purposes of Religious RitualPurposes of Religious RitualFour traditional ends of religious ritual:Four traditional ends of religious ritual: AdorationAdoration Penance/purificationPenance/purification PetitionPetition ThanksgivingThanksgiving
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 55
AdorationAdoration
Historic St. Peter Church, Cleveland, Ohio—Gaudete Sunday 2007, “Alleluia”
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 66
Penance / PurificationPenance / Purification
Historic St. Peter Church, Cleveland, Ohio—Gaudete Sunday 2007, “Kyrie Eleison”
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 77
PetitionPetition
Historic St. Peter Church, Cleveland—Gaudete Sunday 2007, “Prayers of the People”
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 88
ThanksgivingThanksgiving
Historic St. Peter Church, Cleveland—Gaudete Sunday 2007, “Offertory”
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 99
Religious Ritual Supports BeliefReligious Ritual Supports Belief Serves psychological function of providing the Serves psychological function of providing the
context for religious convictioncontext for religious conviction– Creates a Creates a chairoschairos for contact with the Sacred for contact with the Sacred– Enacts the beliefs of a communityEnacts the beliefs of a community– Teaches what is Sacred to the participants/communityTeaches what is Sacred to the participants/community– Through physical expressions of words and communal Through physical expressions of words and communal
ethos, helps create appropriate affect in participantsethos, helps create appropriate affect in participants E.gE.g., Reciting the Lord’s Prayer with motions., Reciting the Lord’s Prayer with motions E.gE.g., “Stoning Satan” and other rituals of the Hajj., “Stoning Satan” and other rituals of the Hajj
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1010
Sacred Presence in RitualSacred Presence in Ritual Rituals have Rituals have
transcendent powertranscendent power– Escape “routine”Escape “routine”– Make present supra- Make present supra-
mundane realitymundane reality Reveal sacred Reveal sacred
presencepresence– Divine immanenceDivine immanence– LeadersLeaders– ParticipantsParticipants– SpaceSpace– ObjectsObjects
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1111
Ritual Space is Sacred SpaceRitual Space is Sacred Space ““Center of the Universe” Center of the Universe” Site of hierophany (historic or Site of hierophany (historic or
present)present) Point where Ultimate Reality Point where Ultimate Reality
connects with earthly existenceconnects with earthly existence Examples of sacred spaces:Examples of sacred spaces:
– Easter Vigil fireEaster Vigil fire– Sacred circle for Native American Sacred circle for Native American
ceremonialsceremonials– Navaho HoganNavaho Hogan– Mount SinaiMount Sinai– JerusalemJerusalem– MeccaMecca– The The Kaa’baKaa’ba– Others?Others?
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1212
The Primal Sacred CircleThe Primal Sacred Circle
The Village Fire Circle The Village Fire Circle The Emerald ForestThe Emerald Forest
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1313
A Contemporary Sacred CircleA Contemporary Sacred Circle
Historic St. Peter Church, Cleveland—Gaudete Sunday 2007, “Come to Us, O Emmanuel,” invocation and meditation for the Lighting of the Advent Wreath
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1414
Sensus FideliumSensus Fidelium ““Instinct” of the faithfulInstinct” of the faithful
– Concerning content of faith Concerning content of faith ((i.ei.e., correct beliefs)., correct beliefs)
– Concerning presence and Concerning presence and power of the Sacred in a power of the Sacred in a particular contextparticular context
Experience of the SacredExperience of the Sacred– Mediated by the senses but Mediated by the senses but
transcends themtranscends them– Communal context for Communal context for
interpretationinterpretation– The “Sacred” nature (of an The “Sacred” nature (of an
event, space, person, or event, space, person, or object) may not be evident object) may not be evident to outside observersto outside observers
Ritual Objects AreRitual Objects AreSacred ObjectsSacred Objects
Ritual incorporates objects Ritual incorporates objects that function as signs and that function as signs and
symbols of the Sacred symbols of the Sacred
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1616
Sacred Objects: SignsSacred Objects: Signs
Point to the SacredPoint to the Sacred RepresentationalRepresentational Extrinsic to Reality they representExtrinsic to Reality they represent Meaning is conventional, Meaning is conventional,
contextualcontextual– Tends to be “flat,” univocalTends to be “flat,” univocal– Based on human conventionBased on human convention– Identical sign may have one meaning Identical sign may have one meaning
in one context but another in a in one context but another in a different contextdifferent context
– Not clear to those outside the Not clear to those outside the interpretive communityinterpretive community
The cross represents the death of Christ to those who know about it.
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1717
Sacred Objects: SymbolsSacred Objects: Symbols Mediate the SacredMediate the Sacred Participate in Reality they Participate in Reality they
represent; represent; essential, essential, intrinsicintrinsic connectionconnection
Universal significanceUniversal significance Intrinsic meaning drawn from Intrinsic meaning drawn from
nature, not human conventionnature, not human convention Multivalent; imbued with Multivalent; imbued with
meaning on many levelsmeaning on many levels– Various meanings not necessarily Various meanings not necessarily
in harmony with one anotherin harmony with one another– E.gE.g., water and fire convey both ., water and fire convey both
life life andand death death
The Torah scroll both represents and contains
the Divine Word.
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1818
Signs & SymbolsSigns & Symbols
The globe represents the layout of the
land masses & oceans of the
earth.
A child is a symbol of
her/his parents (and, hopefully, of their love for
each other).
What about this one?
What are some other examples
of signs and symbols?
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 1919
Ritual Time Is Sacred TimeRitual Time Is Sacred Time
A foundational event in community’s lifeA foundational event in community’s life HierophanyHierophany Is remembered, imitated, repeated; but alsoIs remembered, imitated, repeated; but also Becomes Becomes really present in the here-and-nowreally present in the here-and-now
of the celebrating communityof the celebrating community
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2020
Myth in RitualMyth in Ritual
Klingon Foundation Myth, Klingon Foundation Myth, Star Trek: Deep Space NineStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, “You Are Cordially Invited”, “You Are Cordially Invited”
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2121
Transforming Power of RitualTransforming Power of Ritual
Transcends the routine, Transcends the routine, common, quotidian, “profane”common, quotidian, “profane”
Transforms the cosmos, Transforms the cosmos, ecosystem, celebrating ecosystem, celebrating community, and individual community, and individual participantsparticipants
– Ritual is intentionally done both Ritual is intentionally done both to to recognize and effectrecognize and effect a a transformation in participants.transformation in participants.
– Physical expressions of words & Physical expressions of words & affect, helps create affectaffect, helps create affect E.gE.g., Lord’s Prayer without vs. ., Lord’s Prayer without vs.
with motionswith motions E.gE.g., circle dance., circle dance E.gE.g., motions of yoga or ., motions of yoga or salatsalat
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2222
Dynamics of Communal WorshipDynamics of Communal Worship
Two basic dynamics:Two basic dynamics: Union with the Sacred, the Union with the Sacred, the
Transcendent Object of worshipTranscendent Object of worship Bonding of worshipping communityBonding of worshipping community
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2323
Effects of Communal WorshipEffects of Communal Worship
Reinforces group Reinforces group identity, cohesivenessidentity, cohesiveness– Liminal experienceLiminal experience– Temporary Temporary
intensification of social intensification of social unityunity
– Transcendence of Transcendence of routine social structureroutine social structure
– Access to and revival of Access to and revival of "collective memory“"collective memory“
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2424
Lex Orandi, Lex CredendiLex Orandi, Lex Credendi“the law of prayer is the law of belief”“the law of prayer is the law of belief”
Ritual shows what Ritual shows what celebrating community celebrating community believesbelieves
Physical expressions of Physical expressions of words & affectwords & affect
Enacts meaningEnacts meaning Creates affectCreates affect Shapes participants’ Shapes participants’
patterns of behavior and patterns of behavior and thought/beliefthought/belief
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2525
Lex Orandi, Lex CredendiLex Orandi, Lex Credendi“the law of prayer is the law of belief”“the law of prayer is the law of belief”
Bride Conquest, The Emerald Forest
Four Types of RitualFour Types of Ritual
Calendar RitualsCalendar Rituals Communion/ SacrificeCommunion/ Sacrifice Crisis RitualsCrisis Rituals Rites of PassageRites of Passage
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2626
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2727
Four Basic Types of RitualsFour Basic Types of Rituals
1. Calendar Rituals remember an 1. Calendar Rituals remember an event in the past and make it event in the past and make it present againpresent again
Examples:Examples:– Holy Communion Holy Communion – Lent, Easter, other liturgical Lent, Easter, other liturgical
seasons seasons – Sabbath/Sunday Sabbath/Sunday – Daily hours of prayer Daily hours of prayer – Thanksgiving, New Year's Day Thanksgiving, New Year's Day – Feast days, MLK dayFeast days, MLK day
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2828
Four Basic Types of RitualsFour Basic Types of Rituals
2. Crisis Rituals2. Crisis Rituals– Are done at time of important decision, to Are done at time of important decision, to
help person choose the right pathhelp person choose the right path– Examples: Examples:
Cursillo Cursillo Retreats Retreats Vision quest of NavajoVision quest of Navajo
– Or at a time of intense need, to Or at a time of intense need, to overcome an obstacle or tragedyovercome an obstacle or tragedy
– Examples:Examples: Confession/Reconciliation Confession/Reconciliation Prayer in time of special needPrayer in time of special need
((e.ge.g., Novena to St. Jude)., Novena to St. Jude)
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 2929
Four Basic Types of RitualsFour Basic Types of Rituals
3. Rites of Passage (aka Life-cycle 3. Rites of Passage (aka Life-cycle Rituals) enact shift from one social Rituals) enact shift from one social location to another (usually location to another (usually higher)higher)– Examples:Examples:
Baptism/Baptism/BrisBris/Naming of Child /Naming of Child Funeral Funeral Puberty Rites Puberty Rites Marriage Marriage Initiation/conversion ritesInitiation/conversion rites
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 3030
Four Basic Types of RitualsFour Basic Types of Rituals
4. Sacrifice-Communion Rituals 4. Sacrifice-Communion Rituals create or intensify unity of create or intensify unity of participants with the participants with the Transcendent Object of worshipTranscendent Object of worship– Examples:Examples:
Holy CommunionHoly CommunionPassoverPassoverThanksgivingThanksgivingSuperBowl Party?SuperBowl Party?
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 3131
Small Group DiscussionSmall Group Discussion Select one or two rituals you have Select one or two rituals you have
observed to answer the following:observed to answer the following:1.1. What were the key actions involved in the What were the key actions involved in the
ritual?ritual?2.2. Who were the participants? How could you Who were the participants? How could you
tell?tell?3.3. What intra-group connections were being What intra-group connections were being
made (made (i.ei.e., where did you see ., where did you see communitascommunitas)?)?4.4. What feelings were evoked?What feelings were evoked?5.5. What attitudes/convictions (ethos) were being What attitudes/convictions (ethos) were being
expressed and developed?expressed and developed?6.6. What behaviors (mores) were being shaped?What behaviors (mores) were being shaped?
April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 Introducing RitualIntroducing Ritual 3232
Many Facets of RitualMany Facets of Ritual What constitutes a religious ritual?What constitutes a religious ritual? What are the four basic purposes of religious ritual?What are the four basic purposes of religious ritual? What are the four main kinds of religious ritual?What are the four main kinds of religious ritual? What are each of the following and how are they connected What are each of the following and how are they connected
to religious ritual?to religious ritual? Sacred spaceSacred space Sacred timeSacred time SignsSigns SymbolsSymbols MythMyth
How does religious ritual allow participants to make contact How does religious ritual allow participants to make contact with the Transcendent?with the Transcendent?
How does religious ritual transmit the worldview and ethos of How does religious ritual transmit the worldview and ethos of a tradition? a tradition?
What does it mean to claim that religious rituals create the What does it mean to claim that religious rituals create the context for participants to make meaning of life?context for participants to make meaning of life?