2 classes of ritual

human event (birth, death, marriage)
seasonal or historic event

2 functions of ritual

reaffirm community identity
illustrate an event or teaching

Sacrament

an outward visible sign on an inward invisible grace - BCP

Grace

unmerited favor
presence of God

Sacrificial ritual dates back to...

Paleolithic times (from the beginning to about 10,000 bc)

4 functions of sacrificial ritual

a "safety valve" for intra-tribal tensions
a "giving" intended to persuade the gods to give
homage
abnegation-sorrow-guilt

Which came first, ritual or myth?

Ritual. Myths serve to explain ritual.

Example of ritual that has outlived its purpose or serves as window of imagination into other worlds

British crown ceremonies

3 common elements of a rite of passage

separation from community
transition from one stage to another
reincorporation into community with a new role

4 classes of life cycle ritual

puberty/initiation into adulthood
vocational/religious vocation/baptism
marriage/funeral
healing/reparation

4 common elements of seasonal ritual

mortification
purgation
invigoration
jubilation

4 functions of ritual

catharsis/emotional purge
heightened state of consciousness
repetition for a sense of order
highlight division b/w varying states of belief

Catholic theory of ritual

Ritual accomplishes its purpose regardless of the subjective perception of participants

Sanyasi

Hindu life cycle ritual of detachment from worldly obligations

When did Christmas become the predominant Christian holy day, rather than Easter?

Within the past 150 years or so.

Passover commemorates ...

Hebrew exodus from Egypt

Pentecost was a Jewish holy day commemorating ...

Moses' receipt of the covenant with God on Mt Sinai

When does a Jewish day begin?

At sundown rather than after midnight.

When does Seder (Passover) begin?

sundown on the 15th day of Nissan (April?)

Jewish year begins at ...

Rosh Hashanah (Autumn). Also begins the High Holy Days

Yom Kippur is ...

The highest holy day, Day of Atonement (purification)