Origins of Totemic Beliefs - Conclusion

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Questions and Answers

During which ceremonies are the ordinary rules of exogamy violated?

  • Neither initiation nor totemic ceremonies
  • Totemic ceremonies
  • Both initiation and totemic ceremonies (correct)
  • Initiation ceremonies

What are the two contrasting phases of life in Australian societies, according to the text?

  • Hunting and fishing practices
  • Economic activity and religious ceremonies (correct)
  • Individualistic pursuits and collective actions
  • Seasonal migration and social gatherings

Which of the following relationships are forbidden among the Arunta, even during ceremonies that violate exogamy rules?

  • Father and daughter
  • Son and mother
  • Brothers and sisters
  • All of the above (correct)

What is the name of the snake represented in the munga ceremony?

<p>Wollunqua (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the population to assemble during the second phase?

<p>To conduct religious ceremonies or participate in a corroboree (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phratry is responsible for conducting the munga ceremony?

<p>Uluuru (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the corroboree in the context of Australian society?

<p>It signifies a shift in the balance of culture and its impact on society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Kingilli phratry in the munga ceremony?

<p>To prepare the site and instruments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize the first phase of life in Australian societies?

<p>A time of relative monotony and low intensity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what time of day does the munga ceremony begin?

<p>Night (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the effect of the corroboree on the emotional state of individuals?

<p>It evokes strong emotions and passion, leading to a loss of self-control. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic significance of the red down used to make the drawing of the Wollunqua?

<p>The text doesn't mention a symbolic significance for the red down. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the text?

<p>To examine the role of collective action in fostering a sense of the sacred. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the author's perspective on the impact of the corroboree on the lives of Australian tribes?

<p>It is a transformative event that evokes strong emotions and a sense of shared identity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action causes the Uluuru men to let out a howling scream during the ceremony?

<p>Moving their bodies left and right (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument regarding the development of the sense of the sacred within Australian societies?

<p>It arises from shared experiences of collective action and rituals like the corroboree. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author argues that a person's actions and feelings can be amplified when they are part of a group. What is the primary reason for this amplification?

<p>The collective energy and emotions of a group can energize and reinforce individual feelings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author uses the example of an assembly on August 4th to illustrate what point?

<p>How a group can inspire actions beyond the capacity of individuals alone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the "demon of oratorical inspiration" mentioned by the author?

<p>The heightened sense of emotional power a speaker feels while addressing a group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point the author makes regarding the speaker's language and behavior when addressing a crowd they are in communion with?

<p>The speaker's language and behavior become more dramatic and exaggerated. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, how does the group's energy affect the speaker?

<p>The speaker's emotions are amplified and reinforced by the collective energy of the group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author argues that parties and organizations hold conventions to achieve what goal?

<p>To strengthen the shared faith and emotions among members. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author suggests that the fortifying action of society can produce long-term consequences. What is an example of this effect?

<p>The evolution of human language and culture over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the passage?

<p>To examine the psychological effects of belonging to a group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of the 'lift' that sustains a person in their moral endeavors, according to the text?

<p>The positive energy and esteem received from others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit gained from being in moral harmony with one's neighbor?

<p>A heightened sense of individuality and autonomy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the 'moral power' that shapes an individual's conscience?

<p>A combination of internal reflection and external influences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author connect the concept of 'moral toning up' with the idea of religious faith?

<p>By comparing the feeling of divine benevolence to the uplifting effect of social interaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the author attribute to 'religious symbols' in understanding one's moral consciousness?

<p>They are a source of clarity and understanding for the complex nature of conscience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by referring to 'congealed forces' in the context of civilization?

<p>The accumulated knowledge and traditions that shape human society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes humans from other creatures?

<p>Their dependence on social interaction and the benefits of communal living. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point the author is trying to convey in this passage?

<p>The role of social influence in shaping and sustaining an individual's moral being. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'totemic principle' as described in the text?

<p>The god of a particular clan, imagined in the form of a plant or animal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'clan' play in the concept of the totemic principle?

<p>The clan is a social unit that manifests the totemic principle, embodying its essence in a physical form. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the clan and the totem?

<p>The totem is the embodiment of the clan, representing its collective spirit and identity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that the totem is a symbol of both the god and the society?

<p>It suggests that the divine and the social are intertwined, inseparable forces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument about the origin of the totemic principle?

<p>The totemic principle originates from the necessity for social organization and cohesion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text utilize the concept of 'dependence' in relation to social structures?

<p>Dependence on social structures inspires a sense of awe and reverence for the divine forces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's perspective on the nature of the 'sacred'?

<p>The sacred is a social construct that is shaped by the collective behaviors and attitudes of a society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what can be inferred about the relationship between society and the individual?

<p>Society exerts a powerful influence on the individual, shaping their perceptions and behaviors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between 'civilized' peoples and the Australian aboriginals, according to the text?

<p>Civilized peoples experience the sacred in a continuous and less intense manner. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the totem play in the clan's identity?

<p>The totem acts as a conduit for the feelings and experiences of the clan. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text explain the choice of animals or plants as totems?

<p>They are simple, well-defined, and easily imagined, making them effective symbols. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between the clan and external forces?

<p>The clan's identity is shaped by the influence of external forces. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of rites and ceremonies in the context of this passage?

<p>To create a sense of awe and reverence for the sacred. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main point in the passage?

<p>The connection between social life and the experience of the sacred. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text emphasize the contrast between periods of excitement and colorlessness in Aboriginal life?

<p>To highlight the intensity of the Aboriginal experience of the sacred. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'contagion' relate to the totem?

<p>The feelings associated with the totem spread to the clan members, becoming part of their identity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Collective Feelings

Emotions that are intensified when shared among a group.

Oratorical Inspiration

The heightened state of a speaker feeling a moral force from the audience.

Dynamic Relationships

Intense connections that strengthen shared emotions and beliefs.

Public Demonstration

A collective act that reinforces a group's shared faith or belief.

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Communion with the Crowd

The phenomenon where a speaker resonates with the audience, leading to heightened emotion.

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Moral Force

The impactful drive felt by a speaker stemming from audience energy.

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Reechoing Emotions

The process where feelings evoked by a speaker return amplified to them.

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Extreme Expressions

Dramatic language and gestures used by speakers who feel elevated by their audience.

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Totemic Principle

The fundamental symbol linking a clan to its god and identity.

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Clan

A social group that shares common ancestors and identity.

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Sign of Distinctiveness

An emblem that differentiates one clan from another.

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Apotheosis

The elevation of a clan into a quasi-divine status.

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Divinity

A superior being that man believes he depends on.

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Sacred Principle

The underlying force that dictates behavior within a society.

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Dependence

The reliance of individuals on a group or higher force.

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Faithful

Members of a society who adhere to the sacred principles.

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Ritual promiscuity

The practice of sexual relations during specific rituals, such as initiation ceremonies.

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Exogamy violations

Breaking the usual rules of marrying outside one's group during certain ceremonies.

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Blood kinship restrictions

Prohibitions against sexual relations between close relatives, even in rituals.

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Wollunqua

A snake associated with the munga ritual of the Warramunga people.

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Phratries

Social groups or clans within a tribe; in this context, Uluuru and Kingilli.

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Initiation ceremonies

Rituals that mark a person's entrance into adulthood or a new social role.

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Cultural excitement

The heightened emotions and energy during important rituals, as seen in the ceremony.

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Ceremonial singing

Singing that accompanies rituals, used to enhance spiritual or emotional experience.

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Collective Action

The coordinated activities of individuals working together towards a common goal, observed significantly in clans.

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Clan Phases

The two distinct states of Australian societies: dispersed foraging and concentrated gatherings.

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Dispersed State

A phase where the population lives independently, focusing on individual food needs.

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Concentration Phase

A phase where clan members gather for ceremonies or events like a corroboree.

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Corroboree

A ceremonial gathering among tribes involving ritualistic performances or religious ceremonies.

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Economic Activity

Daily tasks focused on survival, like hunting, fishing, and gathering food.

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Emotional Response

The intense feelings experienced during important events, leading to loss of self-control.

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Monotony in Life

The dull, repetitive nature of life during the dispersed state of clans.

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Positive rites

Ceremonies that occur among assembled groups reflecting shared beliefs.

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Duality of existence

The contrast between a pious life of colorlessness and hyperexcitement.

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Collective life intensity

Maximum energy and power achieved during focused community gatherings.

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Totem

An animal or plant that symbolizes and names a clan.

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Symbolic contagion

The phenomenon where feelings attached to a thing transfer to its symbol.

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Concrete vs. abstract

Easier comprehension of feelings via tangible objects rather than abstract concepts.

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Symbol sentiment transfer

Strong feelings generated by an object are linked to its simple, well-defined symbols.

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Mooring for impressions

The idea that concrete entities anchor our emotional impressions effectively.

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Moral Harmony

A state of alignment between an individual's morals and those of their community.

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Perpetual Uplift

The continuous boost to an individual's moral being due to external societal influences.

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Moral Power

The external influence perceived to enhance one's moral consciousness.

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Civilization's Influence

The impact of societal structures and traditions on individual identity and morals.

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Religious Symbols

Items or representations that aid in understanding moral consciousness.

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Collective Knowledge

The accumulated knowledge of previous generations inherited by individuals.

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Social Groups

Communities that exert influence on an individual's emotions and actions.

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Personal Duty

The sense of responsibility one feels towards oneself and society, contributing to moral uplift.

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Study Notes

Origins of Totemic Beliefs (Conclusion)

  • The central notion of totemism is that a quasi-divine principle is inherent in certain categories of men and things, represented as animals or plants.
  • Totemism's origins are not in the feelings of the totemic objects, which are often insignificant.
  • Stars and major atmospheric phenomena can elicit strong religious emotions in humans, but they rarely serve as totems.
  • The totem symbolizes the quasi-divine principle and the society (clan).
  • Society is a deity to its members; they believe it is a superior being, worthy of respect and dependence.
  • Respect for society is a psychic energy that compels action, independent of utilitarian calculations.
  • Social pressure leads humans to believe in outside forces.
  • Moral authority in society is the source of powerful religious feelings and compels conformity.
  • Sacred objects and beliefs are created through social interaction and intensified by collective effervescence.
  • Totemic symbols are representations of society’s beliefs, which are transferred to the things associated with the totem.

Totemic Symbols

  • Totemic emblems and symbols hold a high degree of sanctity.
  • Totemic symbols are more tangible expressions of something else, than the objects they represent.
  • Totems are symbols that represent a wider principle.
  • Animals or plants symbolize the clan or society.
  • The totemic principle is simultaneously immanent in society and the individual, and is conceived of as an external force.
  • The totem can be conceived as a physical representation of the clan's beliefs and morals.
  • Totemic objects are more easily understood than the abstract idea of the clan, this makes them more influential.

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