I think it is important to note that ceremonial burial was practiced by archaic secular societies as well - including Neanderthals. I think that we need some sort of group activity to help us transition to new situations - ie graduations, weddings, funerals, in Japan there are now wedding-like ceremonies for divorce with both families attending.
I think at its basic level there is something along these lines: change is uncertain, the group is here to witness the change and the group is not startled, I'm ok because the group is ok.
Good point about it being group response to change. I guess I was thinking more of the particular ways in which the rituals are shaped by the surrounding religious culture.
"ceremonial burial was practiced by archaic secular societies as well - including Neanderthals."
Is there evidence regarding religious belief among the Neanderthals? I'd love to read some material on that.
Comments
I think it is important to note that ceremonial burial was practiced by archaic secular societies as well - including Neanderthals. I think that we need some sort of group activity to help us transition to new situations - ie graduations, weddings, funerals, in Japan there are now wedding-like ceremonies for divorce with both families attending.
I think at its basic level there is something along these lines: change is uncertain, the group is here to witness the change and the group is not startled, I'm ok because the group is ok.
Good point about it being group response to change. I guess I was thinking more of the particular ways in which the rituals are shaped by the surrounding religious culture.
"ceremonial burial was practiced by archaic secular societies as well - including Neanderthals."
Is there evidence regarding religious belief among the Neanderthals? I'd love to read some material on that.
How do we know Neanderthal society was "secular"?
You got me - we don't really know either way.
Do you have more information about the divorce ceremonies?
Here is a link:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65K3YV20100621