Are Rituals a Part of Your Life?

Do you practice any rituals? Should the Seattle Senior Men's Group practice any rituals? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this topic. We've discussed it briefly a few times in the past but never pursued it.

A ritual is however you choose to define it.

However, a "ritual" is usually defined as a set of actions or series of events performed in a specific, often repetitive way, usually with symbolic meaning, and often associated with religious, cultural, or social practices, marking significant moments or transitions in life. Essentially, it's considered to be a customary practice with deeper significance beyond just the actions themselves. 

Is a Ritual Like a Habit?

A ritual is not quite the same thing as a habit. A ritual can be a habit. But a habit is not necessarily a ritual. A ritual carries more meaning for you than a habit.

For example, turning left out of your driveway in your car every day is a habit, not a ritual. 

But if you kiss the dice hanging from your rear-view mirror, light up your corn cob pipe, say "God is good and works in mysterious ways", honk your horn 3 times, turn on your left turn signal and then turn left out of the driveway, that would be a ritual. 

The History of Rituals

Rituals have been with us since the dawn of humanity. So they apparently serve a valuable purpose.

The history of rituals dates back to the very early stages of human evolution, with evidence suggesting ritualistic behavior existed in prehistoric societies, likely stemming from the need to understand and control the natural world through symbolic actions.

Anthropologists believe rituals were a key part of the development of early human cultures and communities, serving functions like social cohesion, marking important life stages, and connecting with the spiritual realm. 

Hindu Holy Men Offer Prayers to Goddess Earth

As societies evolved, the focus of rituals may have shifted from purely practical concerns with nature to more complex social and spiritual aspects. These days, rituals persist in various forms, including religious ceremonies, secular celebrations like weddings and graduations, and personal practices meant to bring meaning and structure to life. 

Men's Group Rituals

Rituals in other men's groups can include: initiation ceremonies, sharing circles, storytelling, wilderness experiences, sweat lodges, drumming circles, vision quests, physical challenges, ancestral honoring, meditation practices, community service projects, and rites of passage ceremonies that mark significant life transitions or reaching a new age bracket, often focusing on themes of masculinity, connection, vulnerability, and personal growth.

Rituals can foster a sense of belonging and brotherhood within a group. 

Seattle Senior Men's Group Rituals?

Our group can think about whether to deliberately decide on rituals or let them evolve naturally over time. Meanwhile, here are some thoughts.

Annual Rituals.  We might consider an annual ritualistic event, such as a summer BBQ, or winter or summer solstice celebration.  Or you name it!

If we lived in Vanuatu, we could do some land diving as part of an annual harvest ritual. But we don't need to go to these extremes!

Land Diving in Vanuatu to Celebrate the Harvest

Other annual occasions could be a celebration of an unusual holiday, such as National Tell a Joke Day (Aug. 16th). On this holiday, we could all gather and each man tell his best joke. Or, find a way to celebrate World Kindness Day (Nov. 13th) by performing a group act of kindness in the community.

We could celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by going on an annual nature walk to enjoy a day in nature. There are many locations available to us. We could go to a different location every year.

Meeting Rituals. Should the Seattle Senior Men's Group have any meeting rituals? At the present time, we don't have any.

An example might be that we have a brief inspirational reading or poem, either at the beginning (or end) of a meeting -- something that would help to set the tone for the meeting.

Some groups do smudging, drumming or invoke Native American rituals such as calling in the Six Directions. Others use ceremonial artifacts to open a meeting.

Ceremonial Objects Used in Rituals

One possibility is to have a closing ritual that recognizes each individual. For example, we could acknowledge each man by saying his name. The individual says, "My name is Charlie". The group responds by looking at the individual and saying, "Your name is Charlie! Aho!". "Aho" is a Native American word that means "thank you". It is similar to the use of "amen" in English. This is a way of recognizing each man on a person level and simultaneously as a member of your group.

Another idea is a group embrace or huddle at the end of a meeting, perhaps accompanied by a closing phrase that we all speak together before separating.

Or maybe a hand-pile cheer.  Everyone puts one hand in and then they give a cheer as their hands are raised.

Maybe this sounds corny to you or feels uncomfortable. On the other hand, it might be worth a try and see how it works out.

Special Occasions. Are there any special occasions or events that we would like to be ritualized? 

If a man reaches his 90th birthday, should we celebrate it in some way, such as giving him a chocolate cupcake with a burning candle on it as we sing Happy Birthday?

What are some other special times that we should celebrate?

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