Ritual

Joseph Campbell identifies ritual as an important binding element in a society. From the beginning of human culture, life transitions such as birth, puberty, manhood, womanhood and death have been celebrated with rituals. These rituals had meaning, solemnity and were reminders of the societal duties and responsibilities inherent in the rituals. Even if the individuals may not have understood this, the culture did. In recent human history, religion has been the keeper of these rituals.

As religious practice has eroded and religions have not been able to keep pace with contemporary culture, the role and meaning of rituals has eroded as well. Birth is accidental or undesired. Birth is celebrated with showers and gifts. Puberty is treated in hushed tones or studies and statistics or simply ignored because it's too uncomfortable. Manhood is alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. Marriage is about the big, expensive extravaganza or the bungy jump or the holy church of Disneyworld. Statistics demonstrate the consequences that result. Death is the drive-up viewing window and the solid mahogany casket.

I know my view seems traditional and many personal rituals have value. But I am troubled by the indicators I see of a world falling apart, and I wonder, as Campbell might, what ritual might play in the world coming to some stability.