My understanding of the word "ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value like thanksgiving day parade. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community like the holy month of Ramadan, or Kwanzaa . Sometimes ritual is something that is done by tradition such as a group of people, a nation, or individual, or Something that is repeated continuously in the same manner . For example, a ritual that is often done on the November the 25th in America is to eat turkey .
A ritual may be performed on specific occasions, or at the discretion of individuals or communities. It may be performed by a single individual, by a group, or by the entire community; in arbitrary places, or in places especially reserved for it; either in public, in private, or before specific people. A ritual may be restricted to a certain subset of the community, and may enable or underscore the passage between religious or social states.
The purposes of rituals are varied; with religious obligations or ideals, satisfaction of spiritual or emotional needs of the practitioners, strengthening of social bonds, social and moral education, demonstration of respect or submission, stating one's affiliation, obtaining social acceptance or approval for some event—or, sometimes, just for the pleasure of the ritual itself.
Some of the rituals we do observe in our society today are Religion Sexual ritual Superstition Americans have many Customs and Traditions rooted in the cultures of our forefathers who were either Native Americans or who settled this great land after journeying long distances from other nations in search of "The American Dream". Very often the display of an object or symbol that is meaningful to a family or to society can become a Custom, Tradition or Ritual. Family Values are reflected in the Customs and Traditions practiced immigrants or not when you are American.
Ritual Habit: A behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance. An acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.
Ritual Custom: A usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class, or habitual with an individual. Long established practice considered as unwritten law. Repeated practice. The whole body of usages, practices, or conventions that regulate social life.
Ritual Tradition: An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior as a religious practice or social custom. The handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. Cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions. Characteristic manner, method, or style.
Ritual: The established form for a ceremony; the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony. Ritual observance: system of rites, a ceremonial act or action or a customarily repeated often formal act or series of acts.
Some of the rituals we do observe in our family today are Marriage is viewed as a bond between two families, rather than between two individuals. It is marked by a series of exchanges and ceremonies. A bride price meher of camels, cattle, sheep, or goats is given to the family of the bride. The bride's family supplies items for everyday life: the aqal a portable house, a bed, cooking utensils, mats, ropes, and skins.
Ramadan is a month-long fast during which Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. Ramadan ends with the feast of Eid al-Adha . Believers are expected, at least once in their lives, to make a hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Ramadan. Muhammad's birthday, Mowluud, is celebrated with feasting.
Life events among the Somali are celebrated by feasting. Birth is always an important event. Sheep or goats are killed to celebrate the birth of either a boy or girl. Death is also marked by feasting. The status of the deceased dictates the type and number of animals killed a goat for a young child, one or more camels for the death of an old, wealthy male. Children younger than 16 years of age usually do not attend funeral rites. Elders participate in performing the funeral rites. In Somalia, the elders would be of the same family or tribe. Those are some of the rituals that I can identify and that are present in my family today however I would not like to develop any rituals for either in my society or my family what we have for both in enough.
Reference:
Traditions Customs Rituals. (n.d.). American Family Traditions Home Page. Retrieved March 1, 2011, from http://www.americanfamilytraditions.com/traditions_customs_rituals.htm
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