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February 14, 2006
Becoming
Ritual is a cornerstone in all cultures. Through ritual we mark milestones and achievements, and ascribe ourselves to and differentiate ourselves from others. Rituals anchor us and provide us a measure for success (or failure) within our cultural identity. The importance of ritual is present in each an everyone of us. Taking things particularly to heart are children for whom the concepts of the right and wrong ways of doing things seem held near-sacred.
My daughter celebrated her birthday recently, and her fascination with the trappings of the birthday ritual were simply startling. Cake, candles, ice cream, silly hats, singing, and presents: it all had to be there. All her acculturation sources on the matter demonstrated to her that this was how birthdays are marked. To celebrate any other way simply would not do.
The funny thing is, she herself only exhibited a passing interest in eating the cake and ice cream, or even in the gifts she had received; though she did take great delight in unwrapping her presents. No, for her the most important thing was to blow out the candles on her cake. This single act within the entirety of the birthday celebration was the defining moment that marked for her completeness. With one concentrated puff of air, she became another year older. The ritual had been satisfied.
Posted by Tacitus at February 14, 2006 09:51 AM
Comments
That is excellent! Wish I could have been there!
Posted by: Rob at March 8, 2006 04:44 AM