Religion in Sati
The Mahagony tree is what brought the first settlers to this beautiful island paradise, which makes it a beautiful symbol of how the diverse number of religions practiced on the small island all come together to spiritually unite the people. Though the branches are each unique they are all rooted in a few meaningful ideas. People whos decendants came from so many other cultures have been unitied in simple principals which they all subscribe to such as respect for the earth and others.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Ritual process
Rituals of the Four Institutions of the Sati
Religion
As religion is diverse in Sati culture and most embrace differences with joy, whenever one befriends a new friend and there friendship becomes deep a ritual takes place if the friends are of different religions. The ritual is to demonstrate that the bond is so strong that they want to be close to the friend spiritually. The two friends will have both families meet at either home. There will be a celebration with wine which will conclude with each reading passages from religious text of the other friends. This demonstrates that they respect and love all parts of that friend. Respect is demonstrated by the process in which they each have to read religious text of the other and look within to find something that inspires them. Friendship is strongly valued by the islanders and friends are treated much in the same way as family. The Sati apply almost all the ideals and values they do to the institution of family as they do to their friendships.
Economics
As family is so important to the Sati, they consider any favor they are able to do for a family member a privilege rather than a burden. It is for this reason that the Sati celebrate the giving of a loan or financial assistance to a loved one. The family unit to be giving the support will go to visit the extended family member in need. Both parties will greet each other with great joy to demonstrate that this is a joyous occasion. The receiving party will cook food brought by the giving party in thanks. A big feast is had by all and in the end they celebrate with dessert and the money changes hands.
The way loans and gifts are given help hold strong the beliefs that all are equal in the community... Asking for help does not diminish your value. By saying that the one who is able to give the gift is fortunate to do so in reinforces the unmaterialistic ideals of the Sati.
Family
As family is highly valued by the Sati, their are many rituals that celebrate family. The most elaborate of these various rituals is the naming ritual. Rather than just arbitrarily assigning a name to a newborn Sati infant, a pregnant Sati mother will find the babies name through intense meditation during her final month of pregnancy. She honors her respect for her child as a person with its own self, its own soul by looking deep within for her child inside to provide her with what hi or her name is. I said "name is" because the Sati believe a child has a name from the moment of conception. The father of the child will cook a lovely meal including herbs known to strengthen the body as the intense meditation can be a taxing journey. He then bathes his partner in respect for her bearing his child- as tribute to her and the unborn. He then accompanies her to walk deep into the woods for quiet prayer and meditation as she awaits to learn the name of her baby. The husband will bring her food each morning and check on her for a period as long as three days. At that time she maintains silence so that she may hear the tiny voice from within. When she returns she is very excited to share the name which has come to her with the rest of her family. At this time it is as if the unborn child's brothers, sisters and father are "meeting" baby for the first time. The baby's name is considered to be the child's "first word" so there is much excitement. Once the family learns of the child's name it is shared with the rest of the community. It is at that time the islander's bring over a large amount of food to honor the baby. This also serves a practical person because by this time the mother is very close to giving birth and now she can have a break from tending her garden and preparing food for her family for a period after she gives birth.
Marriage
The people of Sati believe that Marriage must be built stone by stone on a solid foundation. Though the individual stones are each strong, they are delicately perched upon one another and therefore must constantly be treated with care and respect to prevent the union from falling.
As with many cultures there is many rituals included in marriage ceremony for the people of Sati. The individual pieces of the marriage process include 5 parts. The 5 parts of the ritual process are analogous with the 5 aspects of nature as determined by the Sati. Those parts are wind, soil, water, fire and silence. Though the first for of these natural elements are common place in many cultures throughout the world there is one obviously unique part- silence. Silence is the beginning of the ritual process of marriage. Sati believe that silence is as significant a part of nature as much wind, fire, water and earth. Many of the myths unique to the Sati people include a character named "Absum" which is the Latin word for absence, reference to the absence of sound. She is the most powerful character of all in the myths of the people as silence is necessary for meditation and all higher forms of thought.
A first date, as with some native American cultures, is a silent experience. The Sati do not feel that they can get to know a potential partner well enough to decide if they would like to move forward in the courtship progress if there is idle chatter. So, first dates often include a picnic out in nature, silently breaking bread and nourishing themselves with food in one another's presence. If the couple decides to move on in the courtship process, future dates will include conversation and follow a pattern much like in the culture of the United states as it is today.
Once courtship has continued for sometime and the couple mutually decide they wish to be married they will hold an "engagement party" of sorts. During this party Wind is celebrated as it symbolizes the moving forward in the courtship process and now the wind has come to an end, and it is time that the relationship become solid (earth). The wind is celebrated at this party with elaborate fans. Each person in attendance with make their own unique heavily ornate fan. Throughout the party they fan the couple with these lovely homemade fans in order to demonstrate that the party goers give their blessings.
Next, fire is used in an intimate ceremony that includes the couple only. The fire represents the desire of the couple and their wish that it never be extinguished. A candle is lit during this ceremony and a small piece of paper that each has written with private, secret, vows to one another is burnt. As a fire cannot be kept lit indefinitely the keep the charred reminents of one another's vows in memory of the fire.
The next day main ceremony containing many elements is performed. The most important signifies earth. As symbolized in the stacked stones in the earlier discussion on the Sati symbol for the institution of marriage, relations are considered strong yet precarious requiring a strong foundation and constant care. For its reason it is important to the Sati to "root" their marriage in the solid ground. For this reason, The Sati wed in their future backyard and it is there during the main event in which they plant a tree. Every time the husband or wife lovingly will care for the tree in the future will be seen as a tribute to the love they feel for one another and their "strengthening" of their union.
The component of the Sati marriage ritual process is related to water. Water in nature is movement, reflection and flexibility. For this reason once the tree is planted the couple is pushed into a small pool in the back yard so as not to forget the need for all that water symbolizes going forward.
All 5 of the components of this ritual use a symbol to sent a message. As specified in our readings these are intentional acts and they are practiced by virtually all members of the
Sati society. These acts are also very different from the every day behavior of the sati people and embody their belief system as they not only unite the couple to one another, they unite both parties to nature- which is highly respected by the Sati. These rituals assuage an fear that any of the precariously stacked "stones" of marriage will fall.
Rite of Passage
Description
Life-cycle
Liminal stage
Religion
As religion is diverse in Sati culture and most embrace differences with joy, whenever one befriends a new friend and there friendship becomes deep a ritual takes place if the friends are of different religions. The ritual is to demonstrate that the bond is so strong that they want to be close to the friend spiritually. The two friends will have both families meet at either home. There will be a celebration with wine which will conclude with each reading passages from religious text of the other friends. This demonstrates that they respect and love all parts of that friend. Respect is demonstrated by the process in which they each have to read religious text of the other and look within to find something that inspires them. Friendship is strongly valued by the islanders and friends are treated much in the same way as family. The Sati apply almost all the ideals and values they do to the institution of family as they do to their friendships.
Economics
As family is so important to the Sati, they consider any favor they are able to do for a family member a privilege rather than a burden. It is for this reason that the Sati celebrate the giving of a loan or financial assistance to a loved one. The family unit to be giving the support will go to visit the extended family member in need. Both parties will greet each other with great joy to demonstrate that this is a joyous occasion. The receiving party will cook food brought by the giving party in thanks. A big feast is had by all and in the end they celebrate with dessert and the money changes hands.
The way loans and gifts are given help hold strong the beliefs that all are equal in the community... Asking for help does not diminish your value. By saying that the one who is able to give the gift is fortunate to do so in reinforces the unmaterialistic ideals of the Sati.
Family
As family is highly valued by the Sati, their are many rituals that celebrate family. The most elaborate of these various rituals is the naming ritual. Rather than just arbitrarily assigning a name to a newborn Sati infant, a pregnant Sati mother will find the babies name through intense meditation during her final month of pregnancy. She honors her respect for her child as a person with its own self, its own soul by looking deep within for her child inside to provide her with what hi or her name is. I said "name is" because the Sati believe a child has a name from the moment of conception. The father of the child will cook a lovely meal including herbs known to strengthen the body as the intense meditation can be a taxing journey. He then bathes his partner in respect for her bearing his child- as tribute to her and the unborn. He then accompanies her to walk deep into the woods for quiet prayer and meditation as she awaits to learn the name of her baby. The husband will bring her food each morning and check on her for a period as long as three days. At that time she maintains silence so that she may hear the tiny voice from within. When she returns she is very excited to share the name which has come to her with the rest of her family. At this time it is as if the unborn child's brothers, sisters and father are "meeting" baby for the first time. The baby's name is considered to be the child's "first word" so there is much excitement. Once the family learns of the child's name it is shared with the rest of the community. It is at that time the islander's bring over a large amount of food to honor the baby. This also serves a practical person because by this time the mother is very close to giving birth and now she can have a break from tending her garden and preparing food for her family for a period after she gives birth.
Marriage
The people of Sati believe that Marriage must be built stone by stone on a solid foundation. Though the individual stones are each strong, they are delicately perched upon one another and therefore must constantly be treated with care and respect to prevent the union from falling.
As with many cultures there is many rituals included in marriage ceremony for the people of Sati. The individual pieces of the marriage process include 5 parts. The 5 parts of the ritual process are analogous with the 5 aspects of nature as determined by the Sati. Those parts are wind, soil, water, fire and silence. Though the first for of these natural elements are common place in many cultures throughout the world there is one obviously unique part- silence. Silence is the beginning of the ritual process of marriage. Sati believe that silence is as significant a part of nature as much wind, fire, water and earth. Many of the myths unique to the Sati people include a character named "Absum" which is the Latin word for absence, reference to the absence of sound. She is the most powerful character of all in the myths of the people as silence is necessary for meditation and all higher forms of thought.
A first date, as with some native American cultures, is a silent experience. The Sati do not feel that they can get to know a potential partner well enough to decide if they would like to move forward in the courtship progress if there is idle chatter. So, first dates often include a picnic out in nature, silently breaking bread and nourishing themselves with food in one another's presence. If the couple decides to move on in the courtship process, future dates will include conversation and follow a pattern much like in the culture of the United states as it is today.
Once courtship has continued for sometime and the couple mutually decide they wish to be married they will hold an "engagement party" of sorts. During this party Wind is celebrated as it symbolizes the moving forward in the courtship process and now the wind has come to an end, and it is time that the relationship become solid (earth). The wind is celebrated at this party with elaborate fans. Each person in attendance with make their own unique heavily ornate fan. Throughout the party they fan the couple with these lovely homemade fans in order to demonstrate that the party goers give their blessings.
Next, fire is used in an intimate ceremony that includes the couple only. The fire represents the desire of the couple and their wish that it never be extinguished. A candle is lit during this ceremony and a small piece of paper that each has written with private, secret, vows to one another is burnt. As a fire cannot be kept lit indefinitely the keep the charred reminents of one another's vows in memory of the fire.
The next day main ceremony containing many elements is performed. The most important signifies earth. As symbolized in the stacked stones in the earlier discussion on the Sati symbol for the institution of marriage, relations are considered strong yet precarious requiring a strong foundation and constant care. For its reason it is important to the Sati to "root" their marriage in the solid ground. For this reason, The Sati wed in their future backyard and it is there during the main event in which they plant a tree. Every time the husband or wife lovingly will care for the tree in the future will be seen as a tribute to the love they feel for one another and their "strengthening" of their union.
The component of the Sati marriage ritual process is related to water. Water in nature is movement, reflection and flexibility. For this reason once the tree is planted the couple is pushed into a small pool in the back yard so as not to forget the need for all that water symbolizes going forward.
All 5 of the components of this ritual use a symbol to sent a message. As specified in our readings these are intentional acts and they are practiced by virtually all members of the
Sati society. These acts are also very different from the every day behavior of the sati people and embody their belief system as they not only unite the couple to one another, they unite both parties to nature- which is highly respected by the Sati. These rituals assuage an fear that any of the precariously stacked "stones" of marriage will fall.
Rite of Passage
Description
Life-cycle
Liminal stage
Symbol Theory
According to anthropologist Victor Turner, there are 3 properties of a dominant symbol (symbols which refer to self evident values). In order for a symbol to be considered a dominant symbol the symbol must contain condensation, unification of disparte significata and bi polarity.
Condensation By "condensation" Turner is referring to the idea that many things or actions must be represented. He describes dominant symbols as being saturated with meaning. In my post introducing you to the people of Sati I included a few of the many symbols used in their culture. One of those symbols was the leaf. The leaf in Sati culture is used to symbolize family. This is a powerful expression of the ideas of these people in regards to Family, and it is easy to see why once understands the functions of the vains of a leaf (each vain of the leaf is intended to stand as an individual in the family unit). Not only do the vains deliver water and nutrients from the soil to the leaves but also carries the products of photosynthesis (glucose and other carbohydrates) and other plant nutrients (protein and fats or oil) back to the stems and trunk to keep them alive. It's a 2-way transport system. In this way the soil is stands in for how earth/god nourishes the family whole, but how each individual in the unit is also responsible for providing nourishment to organism as a whole them self. Therefore we are able to derive many meanings from the symbol of the leaf. A few of these are that the family acts as a single organism, each of the parts brining nourishment to that organism are equal and vital to the survival of that organism, and that nourishment of the unit from earth/nature/a higher power, is critical for the life of the organism.
Unification of Disparate significata When Turner speaks of Unification of disparte significata he means something significant interconnected b the virtue of other common possession or analogous qualities. Simply put, it is taking diverse ideas and meanings and uniting them using a symbol as a single analogy. For the people of Sati, the image of a gust of wind as depicted below fits this definition well. The wind in Sati culture embodies their ideas about the people themselves. They feel the wind best represents them presently as well as them as a people in their past. The wind can be strong and destructive as the people once were in the days of the booming mahogany industry when they almost completely wiped out most of the natural resources of the tiny island. It can blow away things valuable and cherished. The wind can also be give refuge and comfort when it is hot, The wind can also bring things valuable and important. This is true of the people as they are today as they are caretakers of the island and not only treat it with respect but help it to thrive. The ides of destruction and belief don't generally go hand and hand but they are united in the symbol of the wind.
Polarization of Meaning It seems intuitive that a dominant symbol should have sensory that leads the viewer to something ideological. Turner describes this as Polarity of meaning. The sun is a dominant symbol for there ideas about education in Sati culture. By Turners definition of bipolarity there 's the sensory pole in which meanings closely related to the outward form of the symbol. To use the sun as an example this would be the bright intensity of the sun. This arouses feelings of desire and and intensity.The second pole is the idealogical pole. Using the same example of the sun this refers to the views and standards for education in this culture. The Sati people believe very intensely in education and they feel education should be driven by a burning desire to learn. The light from ones desire of learning should fuel them to continue. Education illuminates ones life with light and therefore is highly valued.
Condensation By "condensation" Turner is referring to the idea that many things or actions must be represented. He describes dominant symbols as being saturated with meaning. In my post introducing you to the people of Sati I included a few of the many symbols used in their culture. One of those symbols was the leaf. The leaf in Sati culture is used to symbolize family. This is a powerful expression of the ideas of these people in regards to Family, and it is easy to see why once understands the functions of the vains of a leaf (each vain of the leaf is intended to stand as an individual in the family unit). Not only do the vains deliver water and nutrients from the soil to the leaves but also carries the products of photosynthesis (glucose and other carbohydrates) and other plant nutrients (protein and fats or oil) back to the stems and trunk to keep them alive. It's a 2-way transport system. In this way the soil is stands in for how earth/god nourishes the family whole, but how each individual in the unit is also responsible for providing nourishment to organism as a whole them self. Therefore we are able to derive many meanings from the symbol of the leaf. A few of these are that the family acts as a single organism, each of the parts brining nourishment to that organism are equal and vital to the survival of that organism, and that nourishment of the unit from earth/nature/a higher power, is critical for the life of the organism.
Unification of Disparate significata When Turner speaks of Unification of disparte significata he means something significant interconnected b the virtue of other common possession or analogous qualities. Simply put, it is taking diverse ideas and meanings and uniting them using a symbol as a single analogy. For the people of Sati, the image of a gust of wind as depicted below fits this definition well. The wind in Sati culture embodies their ideas about the people themselves. They feel the wind best represents them presently as well as them as a people in their past. The wind can be strong and destructive as the people once were in the days of the booming mahogany industry when they almost completely wiped out most of the natural resources of the tiny island. It can blow away things valuable and cherished. The wind can also be give refuge and comfort when it is hot, The wind can also bring things valuable and important. This is true of the people as they are today as they are caretakers of the island and not only treat it with respect but help it to thrive. The ides of destruction and belief don't generally go hand and hand but they are united in the symbol of the wind.
Polarization of Meaning It seems intuitive that a dominant symbol should have sensory that leads the viewer to something ideological. Turner describes this as Polarity of meaning. The sun is a dominant symbol for there ideas about education in Sati culture. By Turners definition of bipolarity there 's the sensory pole in which meanings closely related to the outward form of the symbol. To use the sun as an example this would be the bright intensity of the sun. This arouses feelings of desire and and intensity.The second pole is the idealogical pole. Using the same example of the sun this refers to the views and standards for education in this culture. The Sati people believe very intensely in education and they feel education should be driven by a burning desire to learn. The light from ones desire of learning should fuel them to continue. Education illuminates ones life with light and therefore is highly valued.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
About the People of Sati
The Democracy of Sati is a young island nation in the Caribbean. The small yet diverse population consists of descendants of immigrants from North and South America, as well as parts of Africa and around the world. People were first drawn to this previously uninhabited island by the booming Mahogany industry... but like many small exotic places once the resources could no longer be stripped for profit, many stayed for the amazing views and tropical climate. The terrain is mostly flat which makes navigating the island simple. With moderate temperatures and little seasonal variation one can see why many were inclined to stay after the timber industry was shut down do to laws inhibiting the import of mahogany due to concerns over deforestation.
Economic System Generations have now passed and most islanders now make their living through the tourism industry which does quite well. In addition to the tourism industry, or perhaps in tandem with it, horticulture brings the island a significant portion of the wealth. Interestingly, however, that wealth is not derived from sale of plants and herbs as a food source. Scientist and alternative medicine supporters alike agree that this island hosts a vast many plants and herbs with great healing properties that have not yet been fully scientifically explained. This brings an appealing sense of mystery and excitement which further draws tourism from those curious and seeking healing combined. Many of the popular tourist spots are “healing spas” and bring in wealthy clients from around the world seeking to benefit from the proven results of the plant life found in Sati.
Myths The same air of the unknown that draws in tourists also permeates almost every aspect of the culture. The myths handed down from father to son, from mother to daughter all take the great stories and legends regarding healing from the various countries from which the original inhabitants migrated. Some of the stories have remained in their original state, and some have been weaved together seamlessly into a colorful tapestry. Stories of medicine healers from native American cultures flow into stories of shaman healing the battle wounds of young warriors.. The culture draws from countless myths as they relate to healing and medicine to try to explain this virtual paradise of healing.
Religion There are many religions practiced on this small island, the most predominate one being Buddhism. This may be surprising given the geographical location of the country, however since Buddhism has principles of many religions within it, it seems fitting. Buddhism was introduced here in the 1960's and quickly spread. Having a dominating religion has helped unify the many cultures originally found on the island . Being predominately Buddhist also makes it an appealing vacation destination for Buddhist from southeast Asia, bolstering the economic impact of the tourism industry.
Marriage The mean age of marriage on the island is 27. The teen pregnancy rate is very low. Premarital sex is not taboo and sex education is strongly emphasized.. Cohabiting non married couples are also considered acceptable and may contribute to the average age of marriage. The divorce rate is low. Same sex marriage is legal and the island hosts many destination weddings for tourist whom come from countries in which it is not legal.
Family and kinship Families live in single family dwellings. There is general equality between men and women. In the typical family both men and women tend their personal family gardens (many on this island are vegetarians and eat the foods grown directly in their own gardens) in addition to employment in the tourism industry or jobs related to horticulture for healing. Children are expected to help with the family gardens.
In contrast to many small counties, wealth is evenly distributed. The people live a relatively simple laid back lifestyle. The government has tight regulations to prevent further exploitation of the land therefore horticulture and environmental matters are strictly regulated
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)