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The term "ritual" means different things to different people, and it is often used in quite specific contexts, such as religion. In a broad sense, however, the term refers to a meaningful sequence of actions. A ritual can be grand, such as celebrating a marriage, or it can be something as simple as brushing your teeth with your partner every morning.
The defining characteristic of a ritual is emotional connection and, in fact, research shows that following shared rituals is very important when it comes to establishing and maintaining social bonds. Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
Ask a random person on the street what they think about rituals, and you are likely to be met with a sarcastic eye roll, or a polite request to move on.
Indeed, rituals tend to get a bad press, with many people believing they are at best useless, and at worst a means to exercise coercion and control.
According to Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton, however, rituals serve an important purpose in modern life: fostering social connection.
The term can be difficult to define, but according to Norton, a ritual can be thought of as "a sequence of actions that is meaningful to you."
Rituals can be big, defining moments in life, such as getting married or graduating, or they can be those little routines that people follow on a daily basis.
While a certain sequence of actions may be just a habit for one person, the same sequence of actions may take on the role of a ritual for another. Let's use an example to illustrate.
Imagine an evening routine of getting ready for bed and reading for half an hour before turning off the lights. One person may describe such a routine without any emotional connection, in which case it would be a habit.
A different person may describe the same routine with a certain fondness, however, and if you asked them to change it, they may get upset. In this case, it would be a ritual.
People who believe in the importance of rituals would argue that they have a number of benefits, both at the individual and at the community level.
At a community level, it is believed that participating in rituals can help people develop a sense of shared identity and strengthen social bonds.
Indeed, according to Norton, rituals have an important role to play in families and workplaces, as well as in romantic relationships.
Take the rituals that many families engage in during the holiday season, for example. If you spend Christmas or Thanksgiving with your family each year, you'll know that things are usually done in a certain way.
Whether it's waking up at the crack of dawn to open presents or staying up until midnight to enjoy a special treat together, every family has their own way of doing things.
If you are someone who takes part in the same family rituals each year, you may never have given these routines a second thought.
Norton's research shows, however, that families who engage in rituals like this are much more likely to continue to get together around the holidays.
According to Norton's research, engaging in rituals is also surprisingly important when it comes to finding happiness in our romantic relationships.
Indeed, the couples who report the highest level of relationship satisfaction tend to be those who have multiple little rituals or 'little things they do.'
To illustrate this effect, consider how you would feel if you found out your ex were dating, or even getting married to, someone else. You probably wouldn't feel great.
Testing out this distinction is a good way to illustrate just how important these little rituals are, particularly when it comes to establishing close social bonds.
Last but not least, research shows that rituals can be important in the workplace. They can help foster social bonds between colleagues, and in turn help colleagues find meaning in their work.
Work-based rituals might include meeting up for a team lunch at the same spot once a week, or celebrating team members' birthdays with a cake and present after work.
Studies show, however, that in order for a workplace ritual to be effective, employees must have the freedom to come up with it themselves.
Workplace rituals that managers attempt to impose on team members are unlikely to be successful. Indeed, they are likely to be met with resistance.
Whether you are a fan of rituals or not, they play an important role in many people's lives. You may engage in more of them than you think!
Sources: (BBC) (Scientific American)
See also: 30 simple wellness rituals that will help improve your life
How shared rituals can help strengthen connections
The surprising power of following common rituals
LIFESTYLE Society
The term "ritual" means different things to different people, and it is often used in quite specific contexts, such as religion. In a broad sense, however, the term refers to a meaningful sequence of actions. A ritual can be grand, such as celebrating a marriage, or it can be something as simple as brushing your teeth with your partner every morning.
The defining characteristic of a ritual is emotional connection and, in fact, research shows that following shared rituals is very important when it comes to establishing and maintaining social bonds. Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.