A Study in the Psychology of Ritualism

  

By: F. G. Henke. Distributor: Lulu. $9.99. 138 pages. Paperback DG. 2016 (1910).

 

The study of rituals and societies following rituals is a complex field involving various disciplines, from history to anthropology. History of secret or esoteric societies is one of the most developed branches. With the development of anthropology, sociology, historiography or cultural psychology, new tools are available to further understand the dynamics of such societies.

The work of F. G. Henke is important in that respect in providing an introductory approach to the field of cultural and social psychology and anthropology. The essay covers an analysis of impulses—food, sex, fear and anger—as contributing factors to the shaping of rituals. As stated by the author, "As long as the rituals take such a place in the life of the group, as long as they promote the group consciousness, conserve group values, and satisfy the needs of the individuals of the group, they will survive."

F. G. Henke’s work is therefore suggested in initiating an understanding of rituals models, of having the elements to establish cautiously cross-cultural studies of rituals, and to evaluate their stability in a rapidly changing society.

 

Table of Contents

 

  • Detailed Contents
  • Part I. The Ceremony
    • Chapter I. Description of the Ceremony
    • Chapter II. General Characteristics of Ritualism
  • Part II. Development of Ritualism
    • Chapter III. Determining instincts and impulses of the primitive ceremony
    • Chapter IV. The Place of Attention in the Primitive Ceremony
    • Chapter V. The Psychology of the Supernaturalism in the Ritual
    • Chapter VI. The Relation of the Development of the Ritual to Changes within the Social Consciousness
    • Chapter VII. The Development of the Ritual Illustrated
  • Part III. Survival of Ritualism
    • Chapter VIII. The Survival of the Ceremony
  • Bibliography