Cross-Cultural Studies of Ritual

Cross-cultural studies of ritual examine the diverse ways cultures around the world create and perform rituals—structured actions with symbolic meaning—such as ceremonies, rites of passage, or religious practices. These studies compare rituals across different societies to understand their functions, meanings, and commonalities, revealing how humans use rituals to mark important life events, reinforce social bonds, and embody cultural values. By analyzing these practices across cultures, researchers gain insights into shared human experiences and the ways culture shapes collective expression and identity.