ABSTRACT
A conspicuous feature of many rituals lies in the form and sequence of the activities involved. In this chapter, therefore, we ask how far the form of ritual procedures can be seen as reflecting pan-cultural human characteristics. As we have seen, some ritual performances are private or individual matters, but here we shall be concerned primarily with public occasions. Two interrelated issues are of special interest, namely the extent to which the procedures are attention-getting and memorable, and their symbolic value. It is convenient to start with the elementary actions. The symbolism of the
actions and of the artefacts employed can then be discussed, and finally the organisation of the sequences in which the actions are performed.
