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Symbolism is a literary and artistic device where symbols are used to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning, allowing for deeper interpretation and insight into themes. It enriches the narrative by adding layers of meaning, often evoking emotional responses and connecting abstract concepts with tangible objects or actions.
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Cultural anthropology is the branch of anthropology focused on the study of cultural variation among humans, emphasizing understanding how people in different societies live and interpret their world. It employs qualitative methods such as participant observation and ethnography to explore cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures.
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Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions across cultures and historical periods. It employs various methodologies to understand the impact of religion on society and individuals, fostering a deeper comprehension of the diverse ways in which humans experience and express spirituality.
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A rite of passage is a ceremonial event that marks an individual's transition from one status or phase of life to another, often involving rituals that symbolize growth, change, or social acceptance. These events are culturally significant and can vary widely across societies, serving to reinforce community bonds and cultural values.
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Liminality refers to the transitional phase of a process where individuals or groups are between stages, often experiencing ambiguity and disorientation. It is a concept frequently explored in anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies to understand transformative experiences and rites of passage.
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Collective consciousness refers to the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes of a group that shape its social norms and influence individual behaviors. It is a fundamental concept in sociology that helps to explain how societies maintain coherence and social order through common understanding and collective identity.
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Mythology is a collection of traditional stories that are integral to a culture's belief system, often explaining natural phenomena, human behavior, and the origins of the world. These narratives serve as a means of transmitting cultural values and maintaining societal norms across generations.
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Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a group that shares common cultural traits, such as language, religion, traditions, and customs, which shapes an individual's worldview and self-conception. It is dynamic and can evolve over time as individuals interact with different cultures and societies, influencing how they perceive themselves and others.
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Social cohesion refers to the bonds that bring society together, fostering trust, cooperation, and a sense of belonging among its members. It is crucial for the stability and prosperity of communities, as it reduces social tensions and promotes collective well-being.
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Religious rituals are structured, symbolic actions performed by believers to express and reinforce their faith, often marking significant life events or seasonal cycles. These rituals serve to create a sense of community, continuity, and connection with the divine, embodying the core beliefs and values of a religious tradition.
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A trance-like state is an altered state of consciousness characterized by reduced awareness of external stimuli and heightened focus on internal experiences. It is often associated with meditation, hypnosis, and certain religious or cultural rituals, allowing individuals to access deeper levels of mental processing and emotional insight.
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Ritual music is special music played during important ceremonies or traditions to help people feel connected to each other and to something bigger. It can make ceremonies feel more meaningful and help everyone know what to do and when.
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Traditional art forms refer to the cultural expressions that are rooted in a particular community's historical and ethnic heritage, often encompassing practices that have been passed down through generations. These art forms include various expressions such as painting, sculpture, music, dance, and textile arts, typically characterized by their role in preserving cultural identity and conveying societal values.
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