Well I suppose it’s time to get the blog up and running!
What I have found interesting about the concept of a ritual so far is that it is so inclusive of the most mundane activities. I never would have thought that ritual was a difficult word to define but I must admit I have never really given it much consideration… I have always thought of rituals as a specialised religious or cultural event but am loving the broader definition that we all participate in our own little rituals each day, although it does seem strange that being bitten by ants and brushing your teeth can be considered on the same level.
After watching the youtube videos in class I decided to have a look on here myself to see what I could find. The search word ritual brings up everything from songs to Archaeology TV and even how to drink absinthe properly. I guess ‘ritual’ really does cover a wide range of activities.
Some observation ideas so far are a children’s playground, lecture theatre, an aeroplane, library study areas, a queue (although finding one where people queue for a long time may be difficult… any ideas?), responses to the guy at Kirks who opens the door, general street walking (acknowledgement of others, walking on the left side etc.), Cuba St in general could be quite interesting, behaviour in a shop, a bar/club, Courtenay Place on a Saturday night, responses to a specific piece of artwork or a bus. Just kidding about that one.
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