Ritual is perhaps the oldest, and certainly the most enigmatic, feature of human culture. Rituals that seem to have no meaning at all exist in all known societies, from handshakes and curses to hazing and parades.
However, while rituals are universal and have remained almost unchanged throughout the ages, their logic remains a mystery to this day. From Greek fire-walking ceremonies to the terrifying rituals of the Amazon, anthropologist and psychologist Dimitris Xygalatas guides readers on an exciting journey into the new science of ritual, exploring and explaining the tendency of all human societies to uphold seemingly irrational and obscure customs that incorporate rhythm, dance, music, pain, and sacrifice.
This book, rich in ethnographic details, personal narratives and psychological experiments, describes how we can use this new science, combined with the wisdom contained in ancient traditions, to move forward with new perspectives in our lives, improve our health, and empower our communities.
