Commemoration of the dead in the context of alternative spirituality : collective and solitary rituals

Bužeková, Tatiana (author)

The ritualised commemoration of the deceased belongs to the most common forms of communication with the dead. The meaning that people ascribe to a religious commemoration ritual is determined by a concrete religious doctrine, although it can be influenced by a broader cultural tradition. However, in the context of alternative spiritual currents, there can be many possible interpretations of communication with the dead, as there is no “official” doctrine supported by established institutions. In addition, alternative spirituality is marked by the emphasis on individuality, which results in the predominance of solitary practice. Yet, in various contexts, the tension between individuality and community can be manifested in different forms of ritualised behaviour, ranging from strictly private performances to prescribed group rituals. The paper addresses different levels of individual and collective practice in the context of alternative spirituality in Slovakia, a postsocialist country with a predominantly Christian, mostly Catholic, population. It makes use of the theoretical tools of Mary Douglas’ theory relating to the connection between cosmological beliefs and particular forms of social life. Rituals and ritualised behaviour are considered in the case of the triduum of All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. The results of ethnographic research on spiritual circles operating in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, have shown that these holidays are perceived and practiced differently by people with different religious or spiritual affiliation. The individual interpretation and the degree of associated ritualised behaviour depend on personal background, as well as the social organisation of a circle to which a practitioner belongs.

• Language: English
• Keywords: alternative spirituality, rituals, commemoration rituals, collective rituals, solitary rituals, neoshamanism, Wicca, cultural theory, Slovakia
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FF - Faculty of Arts
• Publication date: 01.01.2024
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: 15 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 15, No. 5
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-160050
• UDC: 29(437.6)
• ISSN on article: 2077-1444
• DOI: 10.3390/rel15050626
• COBISS.SI-ID: 204137475
• Publication date in RUL: 12.08.2024

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Religions
• Shortened title: Religions
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• ISSN: 2077-1444
• COBISS.SI-ID: 520261657

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: sodobna duhovna gibanja, rituali, neošamanizem, Wicca, teorije kulture, Slovaška

Projects

• Funder: EC - European Commission
• Project number: 101095729
• Name: The roles of the agency of the dead in the lives of individuals in contemporary society
• Acronym: DEAGENCY