Ritual Development

1. What is your understanding of the word "ritual?"
As far as I understand a ritual is a symbolic act that is practiced regularly.

2. What rituals do you observe in our society?
Rituals can vary from the more prosaic acts such as waking up at a certain time, grooming oneself, drinking a cup of coffee before heading to work to the more reverent such as attending regular church services, a child’s christening, observation of a sacred holiday, etc.

3. What rituals do you observe in your family?
The upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving is a prime example. It represents a time of year in which the family comes together under one roof, shares a well-prepared meal together, and enjoys the company of one another.

4. Are there any rituals that you can identify that are prevalent today? If so, what are they?
There are numerous rituals that take place daily that many of us easily overlook. For example, having designated times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Watching television, checking email, paying bills, and dating are all examples of rituals prevalent today.

5. What ritual would you like to develop for either our society or your family?
A ritual my girlfriend and I particularly need to develop in our own household is washing our dishes regularly – be it immediately after they have been used or at a designated time each evening. Without the regularity of such a ritual our sink (not to mention my sanity) goes into a total state of disarray.