Type and Anthropological Significance of the Ritual
One example of a specific ritual is blowing out candles on a birthday cake. Such a practice can be categorized as a rather social and solemn rite, and it is significant from an anthropological perspective because it reflects an important moment in many individuals’ lives. Anthropologists define rituals as prescribed behaviors without an empirical connection between certain acts and desired outcomes (Spradley and McCurdy 268).
Cultural Importance and Impact on Practitioners
Although rituals are not rational, people perform them expecting favorable results (Spradley and McCurdy 268). Accordingly, a person blowing out candles on their birthday cake typically does so, hoping that the wish they make during the process will come true. At the same time, rituals are representative of meaningful life points.
For instance, Robbie Davis-Floyd theorized transformation as the primary purpose of rituals used to mark important occasions (Spradley and McCurdy 279). Similarly, blowing out candles can be regarded as stepping into a new life period. Consequently, such a birthday practice is a momentous ritual performed by individuals hoping for good changes. Furthermore, the reviewed rite appears to be common in Western communities and seems important for cultures practicing it because of what it embodies. Victor Turner theorized about the role of symbolism in rituals, suggesting that specific behaviors are significant because they engage people’s senses and communicate messages concerning social values (Spradley and McCurdy 279).
Ritual as Magic or Religion: Analysis and Justification
The process of blowing out birthday cake candles is momentous in two ways. It activates different feelings, like smelling smoke and hearing the sound of clapping, while uniting those gathered in one activity. While not associated with a singular religion, the discussed ritual constitutes a form of magic since anthropologists view rituals as magic meant to control the supernatural (Spradley and McCurdy 267).
Reaffirmation of Cultural Values Through the Ritual
Moreover, the examined practice reaffirms cultural values by bringing about changes, such as moving a person from one life stage to another (Spradley and McCurdy 279). For example, when one blows out the candles on one’s birthday cake, the individual becomes more mature and can have more independence in their community. Although some rituals may be simple, they are representative of influential moments.
Work Cited
Spradley, James, and David McCurdy. Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology. Pearson Education, 2012.