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Significance of Ritual in North American Indian Religion


Submitted by: Dan Xxxxxxxx,
November 12, 1996
Submitted to: Dr. John X. Xxxxxxx
RELST 110.6.01


When scholars study religion, the tendency exists to focus on the
mythological aspects of the religion in an attempt to understand the major
underlying concepts present. However, an equally rewarding study often can be
accomplished through the careful analysis of the religion's ritual aspects.
This is especially true when studying North American Indian religions where
there is an abundance of elaborate rituals that play a significant role in their
culture. By closely examining the details and symbolism of ritual movements, we
can gather some basic understanding of what is seen to be of value in a certain
theology. While most Native American rituals tend to be mono-cultural, there
are a few rituals that frequently appear in many different regions and tribes
across North America. Two of these widespread rituals are the ritual......

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Approximate Word Count: 1716
Approximate Pages: 7 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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