The Great Wall & Baraka: Rituals x Traditions

 

Talk to partner. Can you explain the difference between Ritual and Tradition?

Share your guesses with the class

Read the paragraphs about tradition and ritual.

• Tradition is a generic term that encompasses a wide variety of things and concepts that are handed down by one generation to another. A tradition is an act, behavior, or a belief system which has a special significance for the members of the society.

• Ritual is an act or a series of acts that are performed or observed in a society. In every society, important functions, events, ceremonies, festivals  are marked by certain acts or a series of acts that are perceived to have a symbolic value. Rituals are observed almost religiously because, in most cases, they have a religious backing and, therefore, considered important for individuals in the society. It is the presence of rituals that make an event formal and traditional.

According to the definitions above, decide which situations are rituals and traditions.

1. a handshake to greet others
2. the practice to honor and respect the seniors
3. exchanging wedding rings on the alter
4. bride's wearing white on the wedding day

 Traditions

2, 4

Rituals

1, 3 

Watch the movie segment and make a list of  acts involved in the rituals of the scene. Can you see any traditions? Have in mind the acts, clothes, feelings, etc.

 

Watch the segment from the fantastic Baraka and compare both rituals. What do they have in common and how they differ from each other.

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE GREAT WALL

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - BARAKA