Why Ritual?

PA DeMolay had a pretty successful weekend at MATOC (you can find out all about that over at pademolay.org.) But, each year it seems that someone asks the question "... why do we need ritual at all?"

It's a valid question. Most of our members don't like it. Many of them don't understand it. A large quantity find it boring. However, some people do really enjoy it. Why do we do it though? If you are looking to me for an answer, you aren't going to find one. I am no ritual expert. I have participated in precisely one ritual competition in my DeMolay career, where I failed pretty much completely. I think ritual is important, however.

As I usually do, I went in search of what people think about ritual. As it turns out, there is quite a lively debate in the religious community about whether or not "ritual" should be used in services. Now, this ritual isn't exactly like DeMolay ritual, but the idea is close enough that it was worth some reading. The best site I came across was Ritualwell.org. This site deals with thoughts and philosophies related to using ritual in Jewish religious practices. Many of the resources we present are Christian, so I was very intrigued by this.

In an article, aptly called "Why Ritual" by Tamara Cohen and Rona Shapiro, the authors explore why we, as human beings, like ritual. You probably don't even realize the little "rituals" that you have put into your daily life. Do you get out of bed the same way everyday? Do you do your daily chores in a specific order? Do you finish your day in a particular way? Heck, do you feel that you have to watch football on Sundays? If you answered "yes" to any of those things, you've engaged in a ritual.

In much the same way, DeMolay has used its ritual for a reason. It is there to remind us of what holds us together, as brothers, and to denote the special time we have together in our meetings. It is also used to mark special or memorable occasions, such as Chevalier and Legion of Honor Conferrals, Majority Services, and even Funeral Services. Ritual is important because it gives the participants a shared experience that they all know and trust. No matter where you go to a DeMolay meeting, you're going to hear the same basic ritual, reminding you that you are indeed among friends.

So, is ritual important to you? Is it important to your Chapter? Should we still keep it around? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony