quotations about ritual
When our participation in a rite becomes perfect we think no more of ritual, but are engrossed by that about which the rite is performed; but afterwards we recognize that ritual was the sole method by which this concentration could be achieved.
C. S. LEWIS
A Preface to Paradise Lost
She did like the routines and rituals they had, the way they made a kind of container so her mind could wander to the things she thought and felt and dreamed about.
NAOMI JACKSON
The Star Side of Bird Hill
People and their rituals. They cling to things so hard sometimes.
GARTH STEIN
The Art of Racing in the Rain
All too often I see rituals that are one long run on monologue that never ever ends. Just like run-on sentences, run-on rituals are bad. Break up all that beautifully crafted liturgical poetry with action, engaging the senses, and movement.
MELISSA HILL
"Dandelion Seeds: Ten Tips for Running a Big, Festival-Style Ritual", Patheos, February 17, 2016
The fact that ritual is a set category that has a predetermined course of action may make it seem to be free of risk. There are several reasons why this is not the case: Firstly, we have already mentioned that ritual is an etic category, i.e. an observer's category, not primarily an initiate's/insider's category. It is mainly for the observer that ritual is a set category. For initiates, and especially lower-level or new initiates, rituals can often give a false sensation of uncertainty as to what happens next. Only those who can see outside the box, often in the higher echelons of initiation, may be aware of ritual invariance.
EVANGELOS KYRIAKIDIS
"The dead acrobat", Ritual Failure: Archaeological Perspectives
A ritual is a formulaic activity system characterized by "entity inaccessibility" on the cognitive task level.
ROY GANE
Ritual Dynamic Structure
The simplicity of the Christian rites serves as a safeguard against those obvious dangers which are incident to all ritual worship.
JOHN CAIRD
Sermons
Without the soul, divinely quickened and inspired, the observances of the grandest ritualism are as worthless as the motions of a galvanized corpse.
EDWARD DAVIES
attributed, Day's Collacon
The Christian ritual is only the external show; the heart is the true worshipper.
MRS. BRAY
attributed, Day's Collacon
I despise your religious festivals;
your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
BIBLE
Amos 5:21-24
A prayer couched in the words of the soul, is far more powerful than any ritual.
PAULO COELHO
Brida
It's a ritual, and I know you feel it
It's a ritual, and I know you see it
It's a ritual, and I know you feel it
You feel it, you feel it, you feel it
ELLIE GOULDING
"Ritual"
Everything ritualistic must be strictly avoided, because it immediately turns rotten. Of course a kiss is a ritual too and it isn't rotten, but ritual is permissible only to the extent that it is as genuine as a kiss.
LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN
Culture and Value