Question

Can you think of other rituals in society that reflect an affinity or longing for more tribal times?(Hint: Have you ever pledged a fraternity or sorority, gone to a wedding, or attended a football game?) Do TV shows like Survivor show a longing for more tribal times? After all, they even use tribal names for the competing teams.

Answer 1

Answer.

The act of ritual is a common thread that has linked human societies throughout the ages, regardless of ethnicity, culture or religion. Rituals motivate and move us as they provide the means to build families and community, make life transitions meaningful and mark important events in our lives. Contrary to popular beliefs, rituals are not a thing of the past but they constitute an important part of modern societies as well. For instance, membership to several subcultures such as biker gangs, tattoo groups, etc is maintained by means of the members’s adiption and participation in certain prescribed ritual acts such as wearing a particular uniform, conforming one’s behaviour according to group expectations, observing certain dietary practices which deem each individual worthy of a fixed status within the subculture.

Moroever, we create and sustain identity through rituals such as graduation day, prom nights which in a Way symbolise the coming of age rites for the youth of the American society and establish their place as young adults fit for a sexually active and responsible life. To this end, prom nights can be seen as akin to rites of passage in tribal societies which marked a young member’s place within the society as capable of establishing a family of one’s own.

Moroever, Gathering together for ceremonial rituals also connects the people to a common history. For instance, Each year the French nationals unite in massive festivities to celebrate Bastille Day and commemorate the emergence of the modern nation and its ethos: “Men are born free and remain free and equal in rights.” As a part of a national sentiment, the ritualised congregation of Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of modern French society and in a way resembles the tribal practices of paying allegiance to the founders of a clan.