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Researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) have conducted a study on the perception of extreme rituals, published in Religion, Brain & Behavior. They surveyed perceptions from over a thousand spectators at the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, a religious event drawing about one million participants across various Asian countries, to understand the social role of these intense cultural practices.
Understanding Extreme Rituals: Exploring the Social Role of Violence
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Rituals are an integral part of our lives, regardless of our beliefs or religion. They serve as a means to build communities and strengthen our local identity. In a recent study published in the journal Religion, Brain & Behavior, researchers delved into the perceptions of spectators participating in the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, a celebration that gathers approximately one million people in several Asian countries.
The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods
The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods is a centuries-old celebration observed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China. It is characterized by processions, offerings, fasting, and religious prayers. However, what sets this festival apart is the presence of extreme self-mutilation rituals practiced by a small number of participants.
These acts range from walking on hot coals to bleeding and piercing, and they are observed by spectators who can request blessings and predictions from the participants. The researchers were intrigued by the effects of these extreme scenes on the spectators and their contribution to the social functions of the ritual itself.
The Functions of Rituals
Before we delve into the findings of the study, let’s understand the functions of rituals. Collective rituals exist in all human societies and serve three main purposes. Firstly, they enhance social connection, bringing individuals together and strengthening the bond within a community. Secondly, they regulate participants’ emotions, providing a space for emotional expression and catharsis. Lastly, rituals shape traditions and behaviors that are passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices.
Mapping the Minds of Spectators
To gain a deeper understanding of how individuals perceive extreme rituals and how these perceptions are interconnected, the researchers collected information from over 1,000 festival attendees. They assessed responses across different spectrums, taking into account the participants’ cultural identity, emotional responses, and personal perceptions related to faith and religious beliefs associated with the ritual.
Using a psychometric network approach, the researchers identified five main categories: negative emotions, positive emotions, feelings of ambiguity, social connection, and ritual actions. This approach allowed them to understand the relationship between these variables and how they interact with each other.
The Power of Emotional Responses
The emotions that significantly connected the variables on the map were happiness, fear, and the belief that deities seek the well-being of their followers and possess supernatural powers. This suggests that the central components identified in the participants were linked to emotional responses and strong spiritual beliefs during the ritual.
The study also highlighted the role of positive emotion and social connection during the festival. Positive emotional reactions were closely tied to the sense of community and social bond among the participants. It is important to note that while fear was a significant variable, it did not provide a conclusive answer regarding the role of extreme rituals in collective rituals.
Exploring Extreme Rituals in Different Cultures
Extreme rituals are not exclusive to Oriental cultures. Even in the Brazilian Amazon, the indigenous Sateré-Mawé people perform the Wyamat ritual, also known as the “Festival of the Bullet Ant.” In this ritual, young men must glove their hands with a straw artifact containing dozens of bullet ants, known for their painful stings. The young men must endure the pain without crying to be recognized as true warriors in their clan.
These examples show that extreme rituals exist in various cultures and serve specific purposes within those communities. In our own culture, we can observe similar behaviors among football fans who go to great lengths to support their teams, performing sacrificial rituals such as traveling long distances and spending a lot of money.
Conclusion
The study on the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods provides valuable insights into the social role of violence in extreme rituals. It emphasizes the importance of considering culturally constructed systems of meaning when examining emotional reactions during any ritual, even if their customs may seem dysphoric to other cultures.
Understanding the functions and effects of rituals can help us appreciate the diversity of human experiences and foster empathy and respect for different cultural practices. So the next time you come across a ritual that seems unfamiliar or extreme, take a moment to consider its social significance and the role it plays in the community that practices it.
FAQ’s
1. What is the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods?
The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods is a centuries-old celebration observed in several Asian countries, characterized by processions, offerings, fasting, and religious prayers. It also includes extreme self-mutilation rituals practiced by a small number of participants.
2. What are the functions of rituals?
Rituals serve three main purposes: enhancing social connection, regulating participants’ emotions, and shaping traditions and behaviors passed down through generations.
3. How did the researchers study the perceptions of spectators?
The researchers collected information from over 1,000 festival attendees and assessed their responses using a psychometric network approach. This approach allowed them to understand the relationship between different variables and how they interact with each other.
4. What emotions were significant during the festival?
The emotions that significantly connected the variables were happiness, fear, and the belief in the supernatural powers of deities. Positive emotions and social connection were also highlighted during the festival.
5. Are extreme rituals exclusive to Oriental cultures?
No, extreme rituals exist in various cultures. An example is the “Festival of the Bullet Ant” performed by the indigenous Sateré-Mawé people in the Brazilian Amazon. Extreme rituals can serve specific purposes within different communities.
Links to additional Resources:
Religion, Brain & Behavior Journal D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods.Related Wikipedia Articles
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