Over at The Juggler, Sara Adrian links to a video clip of a bunch of Scots demonstrating Clifton’s Third Law of Religion: It’s not a real religion unless it has torchlight processions.”
And remember, ritual precedes myth, not the other way around.
Letter from Hardscrabble Creek
A Pagan Studies Blog by Chas S. Clifton
Dear Chas,
You wrote:
“And remember, ritual precedes myth, not the other way around.”
I think choosing either side of the dichotomy is wrong. Both happen. Ancient seasonal observances get reinterpreted in Judaism to symbolize monotheistic values. And Hispanic Catholics carry huge crosses in public spectacles during Holy Week to reenact the Passion Gospel.
But torchlight processions are clearly a Good Thing! Bring back the dadouchoi!
Actually, Ian, I think that both of those examples do show ritual preceding myth (what happens when you re-interpret existing ritual to fit new theology) or at least being more important than myth (the Passion story).