Buret McKay here and welcome to another edition of the Art of Manliness Podcast.

Our lives are populated by rituals, baptisms, funerals, graduations, singing happy birthday,

chanting cheers at a sports event, saying grace before dinner.

When we perform rituals, there's no causal link between the behavior and the hope for

effect.

For example, there's no causal connection between exchanging rings and an altar and becoming

wedded to another human being.

But my guess would say that doesn't mean that rituals are useless and irrational.

In fact, doing two decades of research on rituals caused him to do a 180 on his perception

of their value.

His name is Demetra Ziegaladas, he's an anthropologist and the author of ritual.

How seemingly senseless acts make life worth living.

Today on the show Demetra explains what defines a ritual and how a ritual is different from

a mere habit.

He shares how a greater understanding of ritual is upending our theories of human civilization

and the idea that first came the temple and then the city.

Demetra describes how rituals can be seen to have their own kind of logic and purpose.

As they build trust and togetherness, serve as an effective way to deal with stress, signal

someone's commitment to a group, and ultimately contribute to people's overall well-being.

After the show is over, check out our show notes at a-wim.is slash rituals.

All right Demetra Ziegaladas, welcome to the show.

Great to be with you.

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