The Reinvention of Ritual
At Christmas time, even hardened sceptics are able to enjoy some beloved rituals again. Writer Madeleine Bunting considers whether it’s time to revalue ritual.
In her final Essay, the writer Madeleine Bunting explores the work of the Korean-born philosopher Byung Chul-Han, who passionately argues that the decline of traditional ritual has potentially disastrous consequences. Ritual, he believes, creates a sense of belonging.
The rituals of Christmas make this very obvious: it is a time when even hardened sceptics feel able to enjoy traditions again, from the familiar pattern of Nine Lessons and Carols to family rituals around what you eat and when, or in what order you unwrap your presents. So, asks Madeleine, is it time we gave up on scornful attitudes towards ritual and started valuing it again?
This Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3 series explores aspects of ritual throughout this week, taking in public and private Christmas rituals and asking what the Covid pandemic has taught us about their significance.
The series producer is Kristine Pommert for CTVC.
Last on
More episodes
Next
You are at the last episode
Broadcast
- Christmas Eve 2021 22:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
Death in Trieste
Watch: My Deaf World
The Book that Changed Me
Five figures from the arts and science introduce books that changed their lives and work.
Podcast
-
The Essay
Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.