why do people participate in ritual?

Question

Specifically talking about religious rituals, but other suggestions are most welcome! :)

Answer 1

familiarity and security.

Answer 2

People participate in ritual for a variety of reasons, the most commnon being comfort and familiarity.

When things start to get hectic in ones life, ritual provides a sense of balance, and in its familiarity, there is comfort- I have done this, I can do this, and it is relaxing for those reasons.

People rarely turn to prayer and other forms of religious expression, until things are difficult, or until they need explanations for what is going on in their life. Even in prayer is there ritual- and I think that is why there is religion at all.

Not so much that we NEED a higher power to associate our existence with, but to explain things, like a parent that is always there, but that you know will not directly interfere with your life.

Ritual is why the holidays are often calming- once you get to your destination, there is a sense of calm, because you know how things go, because you know what to expect, and because you find comfort in these things.

Answer 3

It's part of being human. There is not a single human culture that does not have rituals of some sort. Even people who shun religious rituals inevitably create some other kinds of secular rituals to fill the gaps. People need ritual; we can't escape it.

Answer 4

im a witch(wiccan) and i use ritual for my holidays and spells, the purpose of these rituals is to open up the connection to the power that answers everything (from your prayers to my spells) nothing opens this better then symbols. symbols are far more powerful then words, symbols hold far more meaning. each act and part of a ritual is a symbol. a connection to a part that adds to the whole of what you wish to do. even all christian masses based even remotely on the catholic mass of old is purely pagan or wiccan. even the bread and wine, (pagans have cakes and ale for thousands of years ( it grounds spell energy in the body ) ) rabbits and eggs for easter are also an example early pagans that made the catholic church used rabbits and eggs in rituals as symbols of fertility for spells to enhance that years food. you wanted fertile crops and livestock to survive the next winter. and spring is when things started to grow so it was the best time for spells of fertility this is why it was changed to the christ resurrection. renewal symbol. so if you follow any part of any religious ritual it will follow back to an original pagan spell that made life better.

Answer 5

I am not a religious person but I do have other spiritual practices that pre-date religions. If a ritual or other rite is done in mass the collective energy gives more power to that which is trying to be obtained.

Answer 6

You answered your own question! (Thanks for the points.)
"...people participate"
See this is why! They belong to something, meet people share their life with others. Bowlers meet to bowl, but can easily meet to just talk, or have a picnic. Unions and clubs provide possible friends as people move from state to state. Church is part of the community where people live, and as people move place to place the church provides a foundation a rock to anchor to as they adjust to the new community. It's part of being human, part of life. Ritually meeting the new neighbors, or starting school. Every dentist says "open a little more, please" - it's ritual. It's life.
Try changing barbers, or a great pizza place. It's life.

Answer 7

People like stability and habit, and rituals satisfy that need. Surely you have some small ritual of your own you do everyday, like taking your shoes off, then checking the caller ID before locking the door. We're all creatures of habit.

Answer 8

Rituals are understandable and comfortable. After a while, their meanings are clear, and the process is wholly predictable and easy to follow.

Authentic rituals, based on the will of God, are valid methods of true worship.

This is a win - win for both God and man.

Answer 9

It's something that connects everyone as a community and their concept of deity. Ritual in and of itself is not always religious.

Answer 10

It makes us feel comfortable and safe to do things we know. I still know all the catholic rituals, when to sit and stand and what to say at what point. I could probably do it in my sleep.
It also makes us feel connected to the people who are also doing whatever ritual.

Answer 11

rituals strengthen belief and is the door to power or assistance from the Gods or higher beings that are being worshiped.
in Satanic cults and all the others