Thoughts on Ritual

I have thought about this all week, hence why I'm writing this with a little over an hour until class.

I really enjoyed our class discussion on the Ritual, and even though I've read King's article three times, it still moves me. Ritual is one of the most important things to me and to my chapter. We try our best to live it everyday. But despite the fact that no one else knows them, in a sense we all know each others Ritual. They all serve the same overall purpose. Each time a member experiences Ritual, something happens. Brotherhood and sisterhood bonds strengthen. Each member re-evaluates the reasons why he or she joined in the first place. We are reminded of our purpose and our values that we pledge to uphold.

Now for me, there is one ritual that gives me goosebumps every time it happens. I don't what it is, but something magical happens. I am in awe at how the Founders created our Ritual and impressed at how they are still relevant 25 years later. Did the Founders have this in mind back when they were a group of undergrads? I don't know, but I am quite fortunate to be able to ask them myself. Since my organization is only 25 years old, my Founders are on facebook!

What is sad is how so many people come to think of their ritual as a chore. It should be a beautiful thing. My Ritual gives meaning to the stuff my chapter does. It gives meaning to our existence. Without it, what would be? If there was no deep, historical connection transcending generations, where would the modern-day Greek organization be?



This video is pretty cool, and the speaker makes some good points. She suggests talking about your ritual symbols laid out in front of you, but in your own words. Make the ritual your own.

I think that the Ritual is one of the most powerful aspects of Greek Life. But like anything powerful, in the wrong hands it can be dangerous. Just as my chapter president challenged us to live our Ritual, we should all challenge our chapters to live the Ritual.