Chapter 3Meaning in symbolic actions

Concept A:

Rituals: Actions Serving as Symbols Pgs . 36-41

Cp3 page 41 ?????(remember? Read the review ?’s then the text)

1) Briefly explain what rituals are. Why are they important in celebrating the sacraments?

2) Describe the difference between symbolic actions and practical actions. Give an example of each type of action.

3) How are rituals different from routines? 4) What similarities exist between rituals and

play?

Symbols + Movement =Ritual

Cp2 described symbols as “meaning pictures” that help us see beyond the surface of things.

Rituals are symbolic actions that help us physically express our beliefs, values,and deepest concerns

Write a minute!!

Write about a celebration you know of or have participated in that involved rituals. Include a discussion of the meaning behind the rituals-why were they a part of the celebration?

Images of Rituals #1

Images of Rituals #2

Images of Rituals #3

Practical actions…..

All rituals involve actions. Not all actions are rituals Actions that are performed only for

specific, practical purposes are not rituals. For Example…..

Why is this a ritual action and not just a practical action?

Combining practical and symbolic actions…is that legal??

Yes! And we do it often!

For example: Eating is a practical action but when we add Grace before meals this brief ritual reminds us of the gift of food and the beauty of sharing it with family, friends.

A practical action+symbolic action

Rituals>>>>>>>>>Who are YOU??

Rituals, when done attentively, can tell us who we are and lead us to who who we will be. For example: The pledge of allegiance or prayers before class, even a Pep Fest!

The rituals we participate in tell us and others our values.

Similarities…

Sign = one-dimensional in meaning. Routine = one-dimensional in meaning Symbol= deep meaning,multilevel

meanings Ritual= deep meaning, multilevel

meanings

A Blink or a wink? Almost the same…but NOT

DANGER

The rituals we perform on a regular basis like:

Pledge of allegiance Saying Grace before meals can become

rushed and meaningless. Prayer before class… Prayer before convocation… Even rituals like the Mass>>>>> can become

routine

Write a minute!

Write a brief description of a ritual in which you have often participated.

Express what you get out of that ritual.

Does it still have meaning for you,or has it become routine?

Why?

Rituals and Play

Rituals are different than routines because they are often playful activities.(Theatre, sports, dance)

Rituals are symbolic actions that speak to and for people.

Write a minute!

Choose a holiday, an induction ceremony,a club meeting,or a sporting event and jot down all the rituals and symbols associated with it.

Cp.3 concept B. Characteristics of Rituals Pg. 41-47

And now the review question first!

List the 8 characteristics of rituals and give an example of each.

#1 Simple Rituals

Rituals involve movement and gestures that convey meaning.

#2 Repeated Actions

Ritual actions are often repeated because they have meaning for us. They are worth doing more than once.

What are some ritual actions that you repeat in your life, family, church, with friends?

#3 Symbolic Celebrations Rituals are often tied to playful, lively

celebrations. Think of a fiesta or a birthday party.

They are Not just symbolic actions;they become symbolic celebrations.

Not just about fun, most celebrations also have their serious side.

For example: the Olympic Games

What’s the serious side of the Olympic ceremonies?

#4 Important Events

Rituals are usually connected to important events in people’s lives.

“Firsts” Anniversaries, graduations, award

ceremonies or ceremonies to induct someone into a community.

Life would be pretty boring if we didn’t take time out to celebrate the special

#5 Important Words

Rituals often include words that underscore the significance of the action.

Write a minute!!

Rituals celebrate special occasions.

List five special events in your life(either personal or communal) along with the rituals associated with each event. What special words are said?

#6 Linkages to the Past

Rituals link people to their past.

#6 Con’t

Our rituals can link us to important events in our past. They remind us of who we are and who we hope to be.

4th of July Parades

Thanksgiving dinner

Passion plays

Cinco De Mayo

What are some rituals used in these celebrations? What do they tell us about ourselves?

#7 Communal Actions

Rituals are often communal in nature. That is, we do them together. They may involve a large group.

People come together to celebrate being a community with a common identity.

What are some communal actions that you have participated in? What did they tell you about yourself/your family?

#8 Participation not observation

People make rituals “happen” by participating in them.

Not just spectators but participants Have you ever been to a ritual that you did

not understand?What would that be like? IF a ritual is to have any meaning for us we

must be able to enter into it wholeheartedly. Going through the motions is not enough.

Write a Minute!

Using examples from your own experience, explain and critique the following statement in writing~“All true rituals are memory-makers and memory-shakers. Good ritual is how we remember who we are and celebrate who we shall become.”(Hixon, RCIA Ministry,page 35)

Create!

Create a NEW family based ritual that includes at least two symbols and reflects some of the eight characteristics of rituals. List on paper the order of the ritual as well as a description of the ritual, meaning of the ritual.

Tell us what is the event,symbols, words Be prepared to share your ritual with the

class.Video or in person, get to act it out!

Rituals and Worship pg 48-51

The roots of ritual go far back in time Evidence left from prehistoric peoples

indicate rituals of the hunt and farming rituals.

*For most ancient cultures life centered on nature.And it was believed that nature was controlled by the spirits.Some helpful, some not.

Cave Painting

Farming

“Doing the Holy”

From the beginning people used rituals and ritual sacrifices to communicate with the spirits of nature to thank them and to keep the spirits friendly.

Sacrifice>Latin>sacrum facere=“to make holy” or “to do the holy’

Ritual Worship or Magic?

Don’t get confused.. Ritual worship is an attempt to get in touch

with the spirit world, to put oneself in harmony with spiritual powers.

( gratitude, humility) Magic is an attempt to control spiritual

powers.(power, seeking certain effects regardless of my

motives)

Christianity and Rituals

The New Testament records that from the start rituals were a part of early Christian life.

Gather together for meals/breaking of the bread,sharing of the cup

Ritual washing for new converts Laying on of hands.

For Review-pg 51

What is the connection between ritual and worship? Give an example.

What’s the difference between ritual worship and magic?

Give 3 examples of rituals in the early church that are mentioned in the New Testament. List 3 rituals you have participated in at church.

Christianity and Rituals con’t

As the church grew and became a more complex society,rituals also become more complex.

Sacraments are not just any Christian ritual but are special moments in which Christ communicates his grace through certain words and actions.

Rituals, simple or complex, have been an important part of expressing Christian faith from Christianity’s very beginning.

Chapter 3 Concept C: Rituals and Worship Review Questions,pg. 51 6) Describe the connection between ritual and

worship. 7) What is the difference between ritual

worship and magic? 8) Give three examples of rituals in the early

church that are described in the New Testament.