Photo by M.H. Johnston
Ritual is one of those things that is so intrinsic to human nature that it has been present in every society and culture since the beginning of recorded history. Whether it’s form is as primitive as dancing and singing around a bonfire, or as sophisticated as the swearing-in of the United States President, ritual speaks to the human psyche on a deeper level than words alone. Yet, in this modern day and age, we see ritual in decline. I can’t help but think that perhaps this has more to do with our present misunderstanding of what ritual is and its purpose.
I’ve had the chance to witness a Catholic Mass three time in my life. Twice, I have come away with the feeling that the priests were just going through the motions, soullessly reciting the words from rote memory like a child rambling off dates in history class. If I were to judge all ritual based on those two experiences, I would have to say that it’s dull and lifeless. The priest obviously did not invest themselves into the meaning of what they were doing.
The third time I had attended a Catholic Mass, it was a funeral for a family friend. The man had been a member of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternity of lay members of the Catholic Church. The priest who presided over the Mass and the Last Rites was a personal friend of the deceased, and meant every word he said with every fiber of his being. I still get chills thinking about the power in the father’s voice, and gravity behind every action that he took.
What was the difference? Was it the situation or was it the man? It is neither the situation or the man, and yet it was also both. Ritual, you see, is an art form. Unlike other art forms, the primary audience of this art form is the artist. If the ritual does not have meaning for the performers, then what we are left with is an empty shell - actions that have no effect, and words without definition.
Outside observers can easily see the through the veil of insincerity. So much in this society depends on appearance, that we are exposed to empty ritual on a regular basis. Eventually, anyone would get bored of hearing the same meaningless sentiments and seeing the same limp motions. Why concern yourself with something that is so obviously pretentious and vapid? The impression is that all ritual is just rote recitation.
Western society has come to distrust ritual in all forms, and yet it is still very much apart of our human nature. I think it’s time we take back ritual. I don’t mean just for religious purposes, but for our own well being.
I want you to do something meaningful for yourself - perform a ritual. You don’t have to believe anything beside the meaning inherent in the ritual. Just try it. If you have a loved one who is currently overseas, light a candle and place it in your window to light their way back home. If you have regrets that you never had the chance to share with a departed love one, take a white lilies and name each of your regrets as you place the flower upon their grave. If you have succeeded in something you never expected to, give yourself time to dance, howl, and sing in the moon light. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it has meaning to you.
Try it, then come back here and tell me how it felt to reclaim ritual for yourself. I promise you that there is nothing to lose, except some old preconceptions.
Namaste.
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