Role Of Ritual Research Articles

Exploration of the Reading of Surah Mu’awwidzatain at the Ashabul Yamin Lasi Tuo Pondok Pesantren: A Study of the Living Quran in the Context of Spiritual Development of Santri

This research focuses on the practice of articulating the al-Falaq and an-Naas at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin Lasi Tuo, which has become an essential part of the santri spiritual lives. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through direct observation, in-depth interviews with the santri and the managers of the wirid activities, and related documentation. Key informants in this study provide insights into how these surahs are integrated into daily routines and how this practice is embraced and understood by the madrasah community. The findings of this research reveal that the articulation of the mu’awwidzatain surahs at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin has a significant impact on the spiritual development of the santri. This practice not only offers protection from external disturbances but also serves as a tool for developing inner strength, peace of mind, and discipline in daily life. Santri engaged in this practice shows improvements in focus, tranquillity, and determination, all of which are the results of deep reflection on the teachings of these surahs. However, this study also identifies some challenges in the implementation of this tradition, particularly in maintaining its consistency and relevance amid social and environmental changes. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of religious rituals in shaping the spiritual identity of santri in madrasah. Traditions such as the articulation of the mu’awwidzatain surahs should not only be seen as part of the religious curriculum but also as a vital means of instilling deep moral and spiritual values. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and develop this tradition while adapting it to the dynamics and challenges faced in the modern era.

Revisiting Gubbio: Settlement Patterns and Ritual from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Roman Era

The Gubbio Revisited project, initiated to reinterpret the archaeological evidence collected during the 1980s Gubbio Project, primarily by a conversion from a paper to a digital record, has revealed significant insights into the evolving settlement patterns and religious expression in the Gubbio valley in Central Italy. This reanalysis of the survey evidence underscores the rhythms of settlement and ritual practice from the Neolithic through the Bronze and Iron Ages, into Roman times. Key excavations in the 1980s at Monte Ingino, Monte Ansciano, San Marco Romano, and San Marco Neolitico added details not only of settlement activity but also of embedded ritual, evidenced by material culture including pottery, faunal remains, and votive offerings. The foundation myth of indigenous religious practices, even amidst Roman influence, is documented through the Iguvine Tables alongside the introduction of new cults, showcasing a blend of local and imperial religiosity, a common feature in the Roman world. This research enriches the understanding of Gubbio’s historical and cultural landscape, emphasizing the demographic rhythms of the valley alongside the integral role of ritual in its societal evolution.

A ritual building from the Umm an‐Nar settlement, Dahwa 7 in al‐Batinah Plain, Northeast Oman

AbstractThis study makes the argument for the presence of a category of small‐sized ritual buildings at the Umm an‐Nar (2700–2000 BC) sites of Dahwa 1 (DH1) and Dahwa 7 (DH7). These buildings are DH1.S20 and DH7.S1. The architectural features and associated finds point to their ritual function. Building DH7.S1 will be the focus while presenting arguments for its ritual role. Besides domestic buildings within a clustered settlement system and a monumental tomb dating to the Umm an‐Nar period, the site might give unique evidence of a form of small buildings that served a ritual purpose. These buildings have no clear parallel in the excavated Umm an‐Nar period settlements so far but adhere to the principles of cultic structures from elsewhere around the Near East that support their interpretation as cultic buildings.

Ritual, Risk, and Danger: Avoidance Rituals among Antiquity Looters

This paper deals with the role of taboos and avoidance rituals as a means of psycho-cultural adaptation to taking personal risks among illicit antiquity looters in the Black Sea region of Turkey. My ethnographic fieldwork showed that antiquity looters indeed cared more about the possibility of being crushed by spiritual creatures than of being caught by law enforcement. Spiritual creatures, namely jinn, are the most unpredictable threats imagined by illicit antiquity looters. They force looters to perform rituals to mitigate the perceived danger, including temporary or permanent loss of sanity, loss of limb, or loss of life. The paper concludes that looters’ avoidance rituals play a functional role rather than a rational one, and they are performed to show that looters are willing to get along with a spiritual environment beyond their control.

Exploring the Role of Religious Rituals in Family Firm Identity Work: An Ethnographic Study

Exploring the Role of Religious Rituals in Family Firm Identity Work: An Ethnographic Study

The Meaning And Function Of Rerajahan In The Religious Life Of The Balinese Hindu Community

This abstract provides an overview of rerajahan, a form of sacred symbolism prominent in Bali, often referred to as the Island of the Gods. Rerajahan consists of small cloth pieces adorned with intricate images and inscriptions, such as human figures, mythical creatures, and sacred motifs, displayed on structures like homes and shrines. These symbols, embodying both artistic and spiritual dimensions, serve to invoke blessings and protection, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual practices of the Balinese community. The term "rerajahan" originates from "rajah," indicating an inscription or image with mystical power. In Balinese Hinduism, rerajahan is classified into two types: "rerajahan pengiwa" (left-hand path) and "rerajahan penengen" (right-hand path), each with distinct spiritual roles. These symbols are not mere decorations but require specific rituals, known as "pasupati," to activate their spiritual efficacy. The process of creating and activating rerajahan integrates sacred scripts, such as Modré, with symbolic imagery to harness their magical properties. Rerajahan plays diverse roles in Balinese rituals and daily life, including protection, healing, and enhancing spiritual well-being. It features prominently in religious ceremonies like the Panca Yadnya rituals and is used in offerings and personal amulets. The complex Balinese script and careful selection of media for rerajahan highlight its cultural and religious significance. Whether depicted on cloth, metal, or other materials, rerajahan represents a profound connection to the divine, underscoring its importance in both sacred and everyday contexts within Balinese Hinduism.

Ritual Dynamics and Spiritual Practices in the Teaching of Tarekat Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah

This study explores the intricate dynamics of rituals and spiritual practices within the Tarekat Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah, a prominent Sufi order in Indonesia. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, in-depth interviews, and participant observation, the research delves into the historical evolution, theological foundations, and the multifaceted role of rituals and spiritual exercises in shaping the followers' spiritual journey. The findings reveal that the integration of Qadiriyah and Naqsyabandiyah traditions fosters a unique spiritual path that balances exoteric religious observance with esoteric contemplation. Key themes include the transformative impact of rituals, the pivotal role of the sheikh, the significance of communal practices, and the holistic pedagogical approaches employed within the Tarekat. The study concludes that these rituals and practices are central to individual and collective spirituality, providing a cohesive and supportive spiritual community. This research contributes to the broader understanding of Indonesian Sufism and the enduring relevance of Sufi practices in contemporary Islamic spirituality.

Bhakti, Equality, and Power: Temple Potters and Sacred Food (Mahaprasada) in Orissa

Abstract This article analyses the relationship between Bhakti, power, and equality in South Asia, by studying the meanings of Mahaprasada, or the sacred food of the Jagannatha temple in Orissa, as represented in nineteenth-century European and Indian texts. The article further juxtaposes these textual meanings with the social practices of the low-caste potters of the temple who make the vessels where the sacred food is prepared. Despite missionary condemnations of the idolatry of the Jagannatha cult and administrative attacks on the cult’s rituals and practices, Mahaprasada was paradoxically celebrated by these same texts as embodying the potential of destroying caste hierarchies. The article critically examines such colonial framings of Mahaprasada, by bringing them into conversation with the community cosmologies, economic practices, and political strategies of the temple potters. The article argues that the potters’ entanglements with the temple revealed complex contingencies in the ways in which Mahaprasada determined relations of caste and market. As a low-caste, yet ritually significant, group instrumental in the making of Mahaprasada, the temple potters participated in a market of the sacred food, where ritual and economic values merged, and were shaped by other power relations of the temple. In matters of caste, the potters both upheld and challenged caste distinctions by both their ritual roles and heterogeneous sectarian inheritances. Put together, I examine how paradoxical subtleties of colonial constructions of Bhakti were defied by the economically complex and religiously multiple worlds of marginal communities.

Revisiting Hindu Marriage Norms: Unveiling Women’s Agency in Ancient India

This article extensively explores marriage norms in ancient India, focusing on women's agency. It begins by dissecting the concept of marriage and its variations in ancient India and sheds light on its significance from women's viewpoints. It scrutinises the roles of women within the institution, including debates surrounding the age of marriage, the qualities sought in brides, and the complexities of partner selection including the prohibited degrees of marriage. The paper delves into her roles in marriage rituals as well as post-marital positions. Contentious issues like divorce and remarriage of women have also been touched. Overall, this article aims to uncover obscure aspects of women's autonomy within marriage, analysing their roles and representations across all facets. By examining evolving Hindu marriage norms throughout the Vedic, Puranic and Smriti periods, it emphasizes the need for a refined understanding of women's agency. The paper seeks to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of marriage in ancient India, particularly from the perspective of women's representations, urging readers to reconsider conventional narratives. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Hum.), Vol. 69(1), 2024, pp. 1-32

Gratitude notebooks in Israeli youths’ Holocaust journeys to Poland: ritual, confirmation, and reflection in heritage tourism

ABSTRACT The authors identify an unresearched practice of Israeli youth participating in organized Holocaust journeys: at the end of the journey, students write thank you letters in a notebook that is then given to the educational guide. Researchers qualitatively analyzed 20 such notebooks written by Israeli high school students. Using grounded-theory methods for document analysis, we identified the notebooks’ role as a incorporation stage after the journey, which is a pilgrimage-like rite of passage. In the letters, students proclaim their transformation, their attention to the guide, and their desire to be remembered. Thus, the notebooks affirm the journey’s success and allow for their return to Israel having had a transformational experience and inhabiting a new position. This analysis adds to our understanding of the role of ritual, especially document-based rituals, in the world of heritage tourism. We recommend the further study of similar reflective techniques in other heritage tourism contexts and their incorporation by heritage tourism professionals. The study adds to the body of knowledge by recognizing the importance of the personal approval of participants. The individual confirms by his signature the transition to the new status. The study illuminates the importance of written reflections on tourist transformation.

Social Functions of Food and Food Rituals during the Merovingian Period (from Venantius Fortunatus’s Writings about St. Radegund)

This article explores the role and functions of food and food rituals in the Frankish Merovingian kingdom during the second half of the 6th century based on the writings of Venantius Fortunatus, a renowned poet of that period, dedicated to the Merovingian queen and nun St. Radegund of Poitiers. His vita of St. Radegund and poems about her include numerous references to food and ceremonies associated with it. The obtained results show that shared meals, dietary restrictions, treats, gifts, and food distribution were the key aspects of social interactions in Merovingian Gaul. They not only strengthened the bonds between the church and the laity but also contributed to the formation of new ties between the religious and political domains. St. Radegund’s generosity and asceticism heightened her authority. Food rituals became part of the patronage system’s daily practices, thereby adapting it to the needs of the emerging medieval Christian society. It is also important that sharing meals and exchanging gifts, often food, fostered trust and promoted friendship among people.

Islam and Indonesian Culture (Rituals and Institutions)

This article explores the relationship between Islam and culture in Indonesia, focusing on aspects of ritual and religious institutions. Indonesia itself has quite a bit of cultural diversity and religious traditions, so this journal aims to investigate various aspects of Islam in life in Indonesia and how this influences rituals and institutions in Indonesia. The first part discussed in this journal is tracing the development of Islam in Indonesia, how Islam is integrated with local culture, and how the Islamic movement in Indonesia influenced the formation of religious rituals and institutions. Then the journal will explore various types of Islamic religious rituals in Indonesia, as well as explore Islamic institutions in forming Islamic identity in Indonesia, as well as explore their relationship with local culture. By presenting an understanding of the relationship between Islam and culture in Indonesia, it is hoped that the journal can contribute to religious, social and cultural studies in Indonesia in the future. The research method used is a qualitative approach with a focus on literature analysis. The research will explore information from relevant journals, books and previous research to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of rituals and religious institutions in the lives of Indonesian society.

Transcendence of caste ideology in the realm of spirits and Muslim faith healers of Malabar: social contexts, meanings and religious rituals in contemporary Kerala

ABSTRACT Scholarship on faith healing and spirit-possession often overlookssignificant influence of caste and its diverse expressions.Through ethnographic study, we explore how Muslim faith healers in Kerala’s Malabar region integrate caste notions into healing practices, and also normalizing them as an effective strategy for healing. Caste’s role in healing rituals and at faith healing sites is located within the context of lived Islam, lacking ritual legitimacy from institutional religion. This prompts us to consider how caste ideology extends beyond human material conditions into the spiritual realm, notably on sites of healing, with long-term implications on the political Islam in the region. It further explores how the caste has been altered temporarily on healing sites in terms of categories of spirits, types of healers, social categories of possessed people and how political Islam have approached caste and faith healing in the context of reformist and revivalist movement in the region.

Ceremonial language and social cohesion: An analysis of Seumapa in Acehnese wedding traditions

The Seumapa ceremony, a rhyming exchange ritual performed by a Syekh (reciter) representing both the bride’s (darabarô) and the bridegroom’s (lintôbarô) parties during Acehnese wedding ceremonies before the groom is allowed into the house of Acehnese society in Indonesia, stands as a testament to the role of cultural rituals in capturing and spreading societal values and norms. This study attempts to analyze this ceremony to reveal the social community, practice, and symbolic language within the Acehnese wedding context. It is to further understand how they shape the social cohesion and identity of the Acehnese community. By employing observations on three wedding ceremonies, and interviews with three elders of the community, the analysis of Seumapa’s cultural values reveals the ceremony’s emphasis on etiquette, respect, social and religious identity, customary knowledge, and educational significance. Ritualistic greetings and gift exchanges portray communal harmony, while symbolic acts symbolic acts like lifting the curtain and presenting ‘hantaran’ (ceremonial gifts) from the groom to the bride and vice versa represent social identity and mutual responsibility. The integration of religious knowledge depicts the community’s prioritization of spiritual preparedness, and the use of symbolic and metaphorical language reflects societal values and aspirations, signifying the importance of wisdom, respect, and communal bonds in preserving Acehnese cultural identity.

Marongge Pellet Ritual: A Socio-Economic Phenomenon in Sumedang Indonesia

Purpose: Describe what social-economic phenomenon exists and the process of the Marongge pellet ritual in Sumedang, Indonesia Theoretical reference: This study is based on sociological, economic, and cultural studies. The Marongge Pellet Ritual at Sumedang West Java, Indonesia. Method: Using a normative qualitative methodology, with a phenomenon approach. Data collection through field work, interviews and surveys. Results and Conclusion: The results of this study show that the Marongge Pellet Ritual is a multifaceted socio-economic phenomenon that plays a vital role in the cultural and economic life of Sumedang, Indonesia. The ritual process begins with pilgrimage, worship, and prayers, after which the custodian provides the requirements that must be brought after being prayed for. Implications of research: The ritual's role in promoting social cohesion and economic redistribution aligns with studies on sacred values and their influence on decision-making processes. Understanding how sacred values shape behaviors and contribute to conflict resolution can provide a broader perspective on the significance of rituals like the Marongge Pellet Ritual in maintaining community harmony. Understanding how traditional rituals contribute to local communities' poverty alleviation and income generation is essential for developing sustainable economic models. Originality/value: It presents a unique socioeconomic phenomenon that justifies the exploration of its originality and value within the local context. This ritual is likely to have importance in the community as it interweaves economic activities with cultural practices. Understanding the originality and value of this ritual can shed light on its socioeconomic implications and offer insights into the dynamics of traditional practices in contemporary society.

Eksplorasi Nilai-Nilai Edukasi Konservasi Mata Air pada Tradisi Ngalun Aik di Lombok Timur

The Ngalun Aik tradition has strong roots and has become an identity in the life of the people of Aik Dewa Village. On the other hand, the spring in Aik Dewa Village not only acts as a source of clean water for daily needs but also plays an important role in local rituals and beliefs related to survival. Therefore, the role of local traditions such as Ngalun Aik is becoming increasingly important to explore and understand in spring conservation efforts. This research uses a qualitative approach to gain an understanding of the educational value of spring conservation in the Ngalun Aik tradition. The respondents in this research involved six male and four female key persons, representing religious leaders, traditional leaders, community leaders, and groups of young men and women. Based on documentation, observation, and interview findings, it can be concluded that the Ngalun Aik tradition in Aik Dewa Village is not only a cultural ritual but also a strong educational platform about the importance of environmental conservation and natural resource management. Through ritual processions, people express their appreciation for water sources as sacred gifts of nature. This tradition teaches the educational values of maintaining water quality, sustainable water management, and environmental awareness to the younger generation. Ngalun Aik also strengthens cultural ties, spirituality, and ecological awareness in the community.

Rituals of nonbelonging and their emotional toll: Encounters with the orthodox Jewish weddings and burials among generation 1.5 former Soviet Union immigrants in Israel

This article examines the encounters of Generation 1.5 Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) with the Orthodox establishment within the framework of weddings and burials in Israel. These Orthodox Jewish weddings and burials are referred to here as rituals of nonbelonging and provide a lens for understanding the role of rituals in the marginalisation and exclusion of immigrants and ethnic minorities from religious and national collectives. The article argues that rituals of nonbelonging originate in the more extensive politics of nonbelonging and reflect an exclusion that provokes negative emotions among marginalised minorities due to the perceived threats to social bonds.

The Intricate Tapestry of Toraja Spirituality: An Exploration of Animism, Ancestor Veneration, and Symbolic Rituals

This study aims to explore the complex spiritual belief system and ritual practices of the Toraja people through a qualitative research design. Aligned with the study's objective of unraveling the multifaceted layers of ritual and understanding the connections between tradition and modernity, an ethnographic approach is employed. Researchers immerse themselves in the Toraja community to gain a deep understanding of cultural practices, beliefs, and values. This immersive experience involves participant observation and engagement with community members. In-depth interviews with key informants, such as elders or individuals knowledgeable about the ma’nene’ or corpse preservation tradition, provide insights into cultural nuances, symbolism, and changes over time. Audio-visual documentation, including recording rituals, interviews, and cultural events, enriches the study's depth and authenticity. Thematic analysis identifies and analyzes themes related to the ma’nene’ tradition, such as cultural preservation and the role of ritual in shaping collective identity. The discourse surrounding the ma’nene’ tradition reflects a complex spiritual belief system and ritual practices of the Toraja people, blending elements of animism, ancestor veneration, and a deep connection to the natural landscape. Specific items in offerings and their ritualistic consumption highlight the importance of symbolic actions in religious ceremonies. These findings extend beyond academic curiosity, impacting cultural appreciation, academic research, interfaith relations, and cultural heritage preservation positively. Through this comprehensive exploration, the study contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Toraja spirituality and culture.

The role of Zhuang stringed instruments in the Zhuang autonomous region of Guangxi, China: A cultural analysis

This study explores the function and role of musical stringed instruments among the Zhuang ethnic group in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Through ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, interviews, and content analysis of cultural artifacts, the study investigates the multifaceted significance of these instruments within Zhuang culture. Findings reveal that Zhuang stringed instruments play integral roles in entertainment, emotional expression, relaxation, community performances, cultural exchange, stage arts, and folk rituals. The Maguhu is a prominent instrument, particularly in solo performances and Zhuangju accompaniment, reflecting its unique timbre and cultural importance. Through their diverse functions, these instruments serve as vital conduits for preserving Zhuang heritage, fostering community cohesion, and facilitating cultural communication. Understanding the nuanced roles of Zhuang stringed instruments enriches our appreciation of Zhuang culture and underscores their significance in cultural identity and heritage preservation.

Archetype symbols and altered consciousness: a study of shamanic rituals in the context of Jungian psychology.

The alteration of consciousness during shamanic rituals is both a physical and mystical phenomenon. It involves psychological and spiritual experiences. Through ritual practices, shamans can connect with archetype within the collective unconscious, utilizing trance-inducing techniques for "hallucinatory exploration". This study surveyed 75 participants to investigate the impact of prototype symbols in Shamanistic rituals on participants' consciousness states focusing on Jungian psychology's concept of archetype. The results indicate that archetype symbols in shamanic rituals can significantly influence participants' conscious state, leading them to experience a conscious dissolution of the self. Furthermore, archetype symbols have different effects at the stages of consciousness change. In particular, during the "Visionary Restructuralization" stage, archetype symbols, such as patterns, masks, totems and music, brought participants' consciousness to a peak and caused significant changes to it. These findings suggest that the metaphoric function of archetype symbols plays a crucial role in rituals. Archetype symbols connect the individual to the collective unconscious through visual images and symbolic imagery. They prompt the participants to experience emotional resonances that transcend individual experiences and affect their state of consciousness.