...the subject, in light of which the complex "Nayar marriage problem" and the rich literature it has inspired can be better understood. Methodologically, this project is far from simple. The Nayar marriage system in its old, prob- lematic form is no longer extant, and hence cannot be observed ethnographically. Although older people have memories of it, these often extend only to what was done and not to why it was done or what it meant. In addition, there is the danger that modern meanings may differ from older ones. Yet these difficulties do not make the task impossible. To begin with, what informants say about the rituals, though often fragmentary and inconclusive, reveals certain consistencies and patterns. Second, ritual action for which there is no exegesis by informants can be compared to similar or identical actions in better-remembered or still-performed rituals to which mean- ings are more readily assigned. Finally, there are historical documents, both indigenous and written by outsiders, against which statements of informants can be checked. This study relies on both ethnographic interviews and written sources. The former were con- ducted during 1978-80 in Palghat (formerly Valluvanad) District, South Malabar, and in the Ernakulam area of central Kerala, and during 1975 in Trivandrum, southern Kerala. Written sources include indigenous fiction, folklore, memoirs, family histories, and court...
Words: 304 - Pages: 2
...Smith Video Reflection James A.K. Smith is presenting contents of his book with several topics to the audience—worship, worldview, and cultural formation. He presents the point of if the assumption of religion was based on how it is practiced and preceded by its worship. Misinterpretations of religion can cause it to be ignored sometimes because practices can cause it to blend and allow it to happen in the least expected places. Worship is another concept that can go unseen. Smith illustrates an example about anthropologists from Mars coming to Earth to understand people’s religious behavior, and how in order to grasp how to worship you observe people around you. He continues to describe this explain this trip and then confesses it all describes a shopping mall. It is presented that this liturgical atmosphere shapes our identity and desires. The mall captures what we love and understand; love can be shaped through practice. Smith adds how worship changes our hearts, and how things such as love, forgiveness and baptism can expand worldviews. I enjoyed the message that James Smith gave. His examples were very relatable and easy to picture. His example about the mall caused me to realize that people of all ages visit malls annually or even daily and they unconsciously mistake desire and worship. People are confusing the images of display windows with real life situations. When Smith spoke about the mall in secular liturgies, I disagreed with him at first because I did not...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
...though most of the people's time is dedicated to the economic hunts, a large part of the labors and a significant portion of the day are spent in ceremonial activity. The main focus of this activity is the human body, the appearance and health of which appears as a major concern in the character of the people. By worshipping their deities, many of the Nacirema confront and may even cause large social problems throughout the civilization. Nacirema culture is unique in that it has many different forms of worship and though these forms are all accepted by most, the moral problems caused by the support of the deities has caused a great deal of hatred and even some violence throughout Nacirema society. Rituals of food-eating are as disgusting and strange as their body rituals. They eat at prearranged times each day and eat using oddly shaped metal utensils. Their food is mounded on an item known as Setalp. At each eating-time every person eats what would typically be...
Words: 467 - Pages: 2
...Religious Life of Planet Earth" World Religions April 27, 2012 Religion to my people is very important, so the criteria I am employing to determine that the people of Earth is a religious people will be as follows; types of religion, prayer, meditation, strong faith and do the people of Earth believe whole heartedly in their religions and do they standing true to what they believe in. Religion is based on beliefs and how people act based on those beliefs. Religion is a means to explain the purpose of life and it involves a system of belief and practices shared by a group of people. So, in all cultures there are rules, ideals of perfection and the theories concerning how did man come into existence, just to name a few. Based on my criteria I found there is a lot of traditions and many different forms of religion on Earth. There are four major types of religion which all cultures are labeled under such as; super naturalism, animism, theism and abstract ideas. Super naturalism is the belief system believes in supernatural forces that can influence human events. Animism is a belief in spirits and ghost that take interest in human affairs. Theism is the practice of believing in divine beings such as God’s or Goddess that shape and influence human affairs. So therefore Gods are powerful being who are worthy of worship and praise. Most theistic societies practice polytheism which implies the belief in a number of Gods. Each God or Goddess usually has influence in a particular...
Words: 630 - Pages: 3
...which is intended for sociological studies. Living with the natives of Bukidnon and knowing their rituals is the subject of my study. Right now I’m witnessing their rituals for occasions like marriage, thanksgiving and healing for their illness. On this night I first witness how they treated illness. It is actually a ritual, their remedy for an illness that is not treated by an herbal medicine. They call their Datu to lead the ritual the natives who was with illness will offer native chicken depends on what kind of illness she/he has. The Datu will utter some kind of prayer that will ask healing for their god, and of the same time he ask forgiveness for the trespasses of the member who has illness. Second I witness the ritual for uniting man and woman. The natives are so conservative that even if they catch you touching the hands of your opposite sex they will eventually bring you into marriage. This ritual it’s said to be the only thing that can get rid the curse among those two people who are getting married. The last ritual that I see is the ritual for thanksgiving to their god and goddesses. Villagers and their Datu were gathering to offer native pigs. This pig will killed by their Datu and they will share it after they boils it. The day I finished my book, I totally understand what their world likes. The natives of Bukidnon have different practices like the way their rituals are done, for occasions like marriage,...
Words: 361 - Pages: 2
...HRT 3M1 Religious Education Rite of Passage Culminating Activity Over the course of this semester, a number of religions were studied in terms of origins, beliefs, practices, symbols, milestones and impact. The time has come to put into practice the learning that has taken place! Many religions have a method by which youngsters in their particular faith are recognized as adults. The Learning Goal: • I will present a rite of passage from any religion discussed and researched throughout the term. • I will research and describe an important rite of passage from a particular religion and compare it to rites of passage from my own religion or to ones I knew of in general. • I will analyze the meaning and significance of the rite of passage I chose. Any rite of passage from a religion not discussed in class must be approved by the teacher first. The Process: This culminating activity will be completed in groups of 2 -3, but marks will be awarded individually based on the attached rubric and peer/self-evaluations. You and your partner(s) will present your rite of passage idea in the form of a written report and your choice of creative presentation that can be a video, a song, a game, an activity, interactive smart board exercise, presentation a role play, a website etc. The groups are encouraged to use multiple presentation strategies. This will tie in everything you have learned and demonstrate...
Words: 1679 - Pages: 7
...-this force can be channeled When mana is not manipulated it is a power -helps explains why a chief has more power because they were thought to have harness , more power - it explains why a chief always wins battles -- it can be thought of as our notion of luck Diversity- Oracle – an invisible forces that are capable of answering questions Pollution – substances “mythical substances” that can be passed to other individuals * Equivalent is illness * Pregnancy * Death * Rituals and practices that are for the vulnerable * Substances that can be transmitted by either things or people Contact requires cleansing * Personified – super natural power resides in super natural people * - for example : gods – that have/ assume bodily form that assume emotion that assume have personality and qualities of human ( personification) * Zoorific- animal spirits Prayer – a petition of some kind that is used as an attack Magic – ritual .. its about strategies that people use to control super natural forces * It refers to technique( bells, formulas use with impersonal forces trying to gain control of super natural world) * It can result in healing , aid in the recovery of lost objects * The classic idea - Malinowski * All societies have developed knowledge of magic * Magic functions to reduce anxiety , it takes the functional approach * Types of magic * - imitative (voodoo doll) * - contagious...
Words: 628 - Pages: 3
...Tohono O'odham Religion and Rituals Himdag is a Tohono O'odham word that translates to "way of life". The eight elements of religion are found throughout the Tohono O'odham past and present cultural beliefs. The Tohono O'odham believe that they were created by a God named I'itoi. I'itoi once created a people whom were known as the Hohokam or the ancient ones. The Hohokam turned on I'itoi and attempted to kill him four times. After the fourth attempt on I'itoi's life he found refuge in the underworld. From the underworld he brought forth the wuskam, roughly translated as the ones who came out. The wuskam were the Tohono O'odham brought to this world to eradicate the Hohokam and inhabit their land. The Tohono O'odham like many Native American tribes were converted to some sort of Christianity. The denomination adopted by the Tohono O'odham was Catholicism. The catholic faith was brought to the O'odham first by the Jesuit missionaries and further enhanced by the Franciscan missionaries. The catholic religion has since been integrated with the Tohono O'odham himdag. The Tohono O'odham have found a comfortable middle between religion and spirituality. There are many aspects in O'odham himdag that coincide with the catholic religion. Author Donald Bahr speaks about the similarity of the creation stories of the O'odham and the Christian biblical stories. He dissects the myth of a flood in both creation stories, as well as a parting of a body of water such as that of the story of...
Words: 960 - Pages: 4
...jewellery may contain blessed items, relic mantras or sacred texts inside its hollow parts. This kind of jewellery is basically worn by Sherpa and other Buddhists for protection from evil powers. It is also decorated by precious stones. [pic] Bulaki:- This gold nose ornament which hangs below a hole pierced through the septum is known as ‘Bulaki’. Usually it consists of ring with a pendant. The pendent hangs below the nose until the lower lip. Some ethnic group place the ‘Bulaki’ into the woman’s mouth after she dies and it is believed that the process helps get the soul salvation. [pic] Tayo:- This is a ceremonial Nepali ornament which is called Tayo. This is especially used by women of Newar community in Kathmandu valley on important rituals including marriage. In ancient times its uniquely shaped hollow pendent is believed to carry enchanted amulet for good fortune. These days it’s basically made of gold but in ancient times some of its part may be made of brass. [pic] Dragon Head Bracelet:- This is one of the most popular traditional ornaments....
Words: 860 - Pages: 4
...Best Prom Ever “Best Prom Ever” When I was in 4th year high school, I had so much fun in our prom night. I’m so grateful because it gave me good memories that will be unforgettable for me. Our prom started with an entourage. I’m nervous that time because I’m thinking that I might not do it well. But luckily, I passed on it with my partner. Then, many other ceremonies followed such as the opening ceremony, invocation, singing of the national anthem and the school hymn, turn over ceremony of seniors to the juniors, and next is what everyone’s waiting for, the awarding. I really expected that I would be the Ms.Senior. But when the MC announced the Ms.Senior, I heard that it was a different name, in short, it wasn’t me. So I am really frustrated. But suddenly, I heard the MC already announcing the Queen of the Night, he called my name! I can’t believe that it was me. I just noticed it when my friends also called me and teased me. I thought it was just a dream. Then I went to the stage, I’m still shocked and I’m out of myself. I saw everyone’s looking at me while they’re smiling. I’m happy because no one says or even thinks that I don’t deserve it. Just a few minutes afterwards, the Seniors’ special number started. I’m in front because I’m one of the good dancers. I danced gracefully and confidently. I think it is also the effect of being the Queen of the Night. I just can’t move on. And last in the program, the “dance dance party…”. Party songs are played first. So everyone...
Words: 377 - Pages: 2
...OB Case Study Analysis Name: Robert Butler Question 1: Describe the leadership styles that you see in the three caselets? The leadership style with Miller Brewing Company with the appointment of Norman Adami is an Affilliative style based upon the approach taken in “changing culture by engaging the hearts and minds of all of his employees”. This approach is a very effective way in building team from existing structures which at the time may be dysfunctional. There was a tolerance of mediocrity and underperformance was being rewarded, this needed to change. “Fred’s Pub” was a significant development in the implementation of the leadership style, leading to new culture development in an informal setting where all grade could mix and talk while developing a sense of pride in each of the workers. The approach develops harmony and develops emotional and personal bonds within the working environment. It also helps to motivate worker’s where company performance is poor by improving communications, developing empathy, emotional intelligence and taking a “People First” approach. (Harvard Business Review April 2000 P80 -83 Leadership that gets results) The leadership style with in JC Penney with the appointment of Myron E Ullman is a Coaching style, which develops & values people for the future. Ullman’s approach was to develop others as well as empathy and self awareness. Looking at each individual strengths and enhancing each of them. Ullman credits his winning...
Words: 2350 - Pages: 10
...GCSE RS REVISION QUESTIONS Religion and Relationships 01 Give two responsibilities that couples accept when they marry. (2 marks) Give two reasons why couples divorce (2 marks) Give two ways in which couples can commit to each other (2marks) 0 2 Explain the ways in which religious belief might influence the choice of a marriage partner. (4 marks) Explain the attitude of religious believers to problems in marriage and divorce (4marks) Explain the ways in which religious belief might influence the choice of an abortion (4 marks) 0 3 ‘Marriage vows are out of date.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. (3 marks) ‘Marriage is old fashioned these days’ What do you think? Explain your opinion.(3 marks) ‘Divorce is always wrong’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. (3 marks) 0 4 Explain briefly religious teachings about the use of contraception within marriage. (3 marks) Explain briefly religious teachings about marriage and divorce (3 marks) Explain briefly religious teachings about marriage and parenting (3Marks) 0 5 ‘Couples should marry before they have children.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to religious arguments in your answer. (6 marks) ‘There shouldn’t be an age of consent’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to religious arguments in your...
Words: 940 - Pages: 4
...Consistency and Uniqueness of the Ritual and Signature Serial Sexual Homicide !2 Violence is such an appealing topic that it is embedded in some of the greatest paintings, music, dramas and movies. Not only being presented in art works, throughout human history, violence also serves as a means of entertainment to a certain group of people. Actually, among all species, human beings might be the only one that kills for fun. Mark Twain once wrote, “Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.” Certainly, we do not want to be around the sadists without knowing it; however, unlike the fairy tales, serial killers do not always look like devils; instead, they might be the most charming person one could ever encounter. Therefore, in order to track down the criminals hidden in the crowds, people need to know more about their motives and reasons behind the conduct. Despite that there is some randomness in killings, the study of the consistency and uniqueness of ritual (fantasy-driven but unnecessary for the perpetration of the homicide) and signature (distinct or unique ritualistic behavior) can help the police allocate the perpetrator much faster, because such demeanor makes the violence personal to the killers. The research done by Louis B. Schlesinger, Martin Kassen, V. Blair Mesa and Anthony J. Pinizzotto in 2010 was one of the first examinations of the ritual and signature in serial sexual ...
Words: 962 - Pages: 4
...explain religion and ritual worship. Polytheistic myths allowed the Greeks to explain the origins of the universe and allow for elaboration by introducing new gods, to stress the importance of ritual and sacrifice, and to give moral standards by showing that even gods can make the same mistakes as humans. Myth first and foremost explains the origins of the universe, the gods, and humankind. Polytheistic gods were necessary because they allowed for new gods to be introduced in order to answer questions that could not be answered. Chaos produced Gaea, Tartarus, and Eros, as well as darkness/night and radiance/day (Lecture 4). From these gods, there are still many others needed to explain why the earth is the way it is. Thus the mountains, the sky, the sea, and love, among many others, are introduced to show how the earth became the way it is. Because of polytheism, these new gods are able to be accepted into the origin story. Polytheism also taught the Greeks the importance of ritual and sacrifice. Since Prometheus stole fire from the gods and brought it to humankind, he had to sacrifice an ox to appease Zeus (Morford 2014, 93). This story tells both how the humans received fire and how the practice of animal sacrifice came to be. This practice of proper sacrifice became arguably the most important ritual in Greek life. Humans believed that sacrifice would encourage the gods to bring them good fortune and help them avoid reprisal. If this ritual was not practiced properly...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...Rumspringa is the time Amish children decide whether they want to be Amish or not. Rumspringa begins when the Amish turn 16 years old. Amish children tend to get real drunk on their 16 birthdays. In addition, some of them start to smoke during that period of their life. People tend to wonder how rumspringa encourage deviance, but in my opinion, when a young person decides to be disorderly and participate in deviant behavior they are making a choice of their own. When teenagers decide to take drugs, not follow the law, be violent or behave in ways that society do not approve of that can be classified as deviant. From the ages 16 and over, Amish children have to make a decision between following Jesus Christ or not because that’s know as an accountable age. I believe, that the children should not have to be pressured in to making such a difficult decision. People should be able to choose whatever paths they want to do in their lives at anytime. When the Amish decide to become Christian and baptized they are promising God that they are going to obey rules and regulations of the church. In which, I believe is very difficult because their lives are revolved around church and their little community, the Amish segregate themselves from the modern world. They do not used electricity and they create everything from scratch. The Amish do not own a Television, phone, car and more. During Rumspringa, the Amish youth tend to get cars and drive them around instead of riding on a horse wherever...
Words: 643 - Pages: 3
