Theories of Ritual

Theories of ritual explore why societies perform certain ceremonies or repeated actions. They suggest that rituals serve various purposes: building community, marking life changes, expressing beliefs, or providing comfort in times of uncertainty. Key theories include Victor Turner's idea of "communitas," where rituals foster deep connections among participants, and Emile Durkheim's view that rituals reinforce social cohesion and collective identity. Additionally, anthropologist Clifford Geertz highlighted rituals as symbols that convey cultural meaning. Overall, these theories help us understand how rituals shape human experience and maintain social order.