The Forest of Symbols: Aspects of Ndembu Ritual
MAY COTAIN MARKUP
By Victor Turner
Symbolism in Rituals:Turner emphasizes that symbols are the smallest units of ritual, each carrying multiple meanings and associations. These symbols are integral to the rituals, which are frequent and vital in Ndembu life.
Properties of Ritual Symbols:oSymbols possess three main properties: condensation (multiple meanings in one symbol), unification of disparate significata (linking diverse ideas), and polarization of meaning (ideological and sensory poles).oDominant symbols, such as the mudyi (milk tree) and mukula tree, recur in various contexts and represent core values and beliefs.
Examples of Dominant Symbols:Mudyi Tree: Central to the girls puberty ritual, symbolizing motherhood,matriliny, and tribal unity. Mukula Tree: Associated with blood, masculinity, and hunting prowess, used in circumcision and hunting rituals. Chikoli Tree: Represents strength and masculinity, used in boys circumcision rituals.
Optional and Positional Meanings:oOperational meaning is derived from how symbols are used in rituals,revealing social dynamics and conflicts.oPositional meaning comes from the symbol’s relationship to other symbols within the ritual, determining its specific sense in different contexts.
Rituals of Affliction and Life-Crisis Rituals:oRituals of Affliction: Aim to propitiate ancestor spirits causing misfortune,involving public confessions and symbolic acts to restore harmony.
Life-Crisis Rituals: Mark significant transitions in an individual’s life, such as birth, puberty, and death, emphasizing social and moral order.6.Color Symbolism.
The Forest of Symbols”provides a comprehensive analysis of Ndembu rituals, illustrating the intricate interplay between symbols, social structure, and individual experience.Turner’s work underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted meanings of symbols to grasp the full significance of ritual practices in Ndembu society. This book is crucial contribution to the fields of anthropology and religious studies, offering deep insights into the symbolic dimensions of human culture.
Cornell University Press, 1967, 405 pages