Topic: Ritual
Source: Personal experiences within my sorority
Relation: Rituals are a key part in any culture. Rituals are unique to each and every culture and hold some type of special meaning. I consider my sorority to be a culture, and as such the rituals we practice are very sentimental and important to us.
*Ritual, a dramatic rendering or social portrayal of meaning shared by a specific body of people in a way that makes them seem correct and proper, (Robbins, 84).
Description: In my sorority we participate in about five specific rituals per semester. They are confidential ceremonies that take place when we initiate in new sisters and when sisters go alum. We also do them for other various important moments that may take place within the sorority. Our rituals are all run in a similar way and we have to dress a certain way when we attend them. Sometimes when I'm in the ritual I'm not paying attention to what's going on which makes me question their importance. However, when I sit and reflect on them I realize just how crucial, important and meaningful they really are. One of the biggest reasons I feel this way is because thousands upon thousands of other Delta Phi Epsilon sisters are participating in these same rituals across the country. Also, for the past 80 or some years these rituals have taken place within every other chapter of D Phi E that has ever existed.
Commentary/Analysis: Rituals are a very important part of culture because they are unique, different and hold a special meaning to the people participating in them. Brushing your teeth twice a day is even considered a ritual and to some people it's really important and almost second nature. The rituals I take part in within my sorority are special and sacred and after realizing their importance, I won't ever take another one for granted. The rituals are like an unspoken language that my Delta Phi Epsilon sisters and I can only understand and relate to. This makes them extra special to me.
I completely agree that sororities are a social community (a culture group/community within one culture). Also that the confidential events taken place amungst sisters are most definintly rituals, in fact in most sororities, they are specifically called "rituals." I also appreciate how you talked about it's meaning to you. I understand that you must maintain confidentiality, although I would have loved to hear something specific that goes on in the ritual. Why do you think these rituals are necessary? I know you said you believe them to be, but what about them makes them so important?
ReplyDeleteI myself am not in a sorority but I agree that it is a culture within itself. I also am curious about the rituals, but I guess as in most cultures, you have to keep some secrets!
ReplyDeleteinteresting when you say that these rituals are becoming like second nature to you. I guess that when you do it multiple times, that happens. I am not in a soroity but have friends that are in them, interesting what they can do and cannot do. And maybe you have to keep the rituals a secret because they are testing you.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing is that before I came to college and lived near Berkeley, I had a different view on sororities. I always believed the stereotypes and misconceptions. How they are all about partying and drinking. Nothing aside from meaningless fun. But after reading your post, I got a taste of the tightly-knit family that you guys form within a sorority. The rituals themselves are unique and can't be told to another. This reinforces the bond between sorority sisters. I have to admit, I admire settings like that. As human beings, we tend to gravitate towards others who have the same personality and interests as ourselves. Here at HSU, I'm a part of the Christian club on campus (Cru). Like the sorority you are apart of, we have certain rituals. One of which we are doing next week with the lard bomb. This is always open to anyone who wants to go. We just have a huge bonfire and pour bacon grease into it in order to make a small explosion. I absolutely love it. The point is, though, that a group can be extremely strong just by following a set of rituals that are unique to that particular group. I'm a creature of habit and always prefer my fun rituals. Sounds like you're a part of a strong group too.
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