Types of Ritual (from Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion, pp. 92-93)
Ritual:
“Ritual is religion in action; it is the cutting edge of the tool.” (Anthony Wallace)
“A ritual is a stereotyped sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and
objects, performed in a sequestered place and designed to influence preternatural
[magical] entities or forces on behalf of the actors’ goals and interests” (Victor
Turner)
Two-fold classification:
1) rites of passage: mark transition points in the lives of individuals
2) rites of intensification: maintain group equilibrium and solidarity
Five-fold classification (Anthony Wallace)
1. Technological rituals
a. divination rites
b. rites of intensification
c. protective rites
control nature
2. Therapy and antitherapy rituals
a. curative rites
b. witchcraft and sorcery
control health
3. Ideological rituals
control behavior, mood, sentiments and
values of groups (“hearts and minds”)
a.
b.
c.
d.
rites of passage
rites of intensification
taboos and courtesies
rites of rebellion
4. Salvation rituals
a. possession
b. rites of alternate identity
c. mystic experience
control individual destiny
5. Revitalization rituals
a. prophetic rites
control collective destiny
Brahmins ( Priests)
Kshyatriyas (Warriors)
Vaishyas ( Producers)
Sudras ( Menial workers< the service group)
Untouchables