Monday, February 07, 2011

Rituals of Home

Superbowl Sunday, a hollowed day in our house.  Well sort of, I liked to watch the game if not because my team is playing (we will not mention the embarrassment that they were this year) but because I like to watch the game.  Few things in our society are cathartic as watching football teams battle it out for ultimate glory.  I believe in giving this day some kind of meaning because it's like marking off the end of a year.  Whether football holds any meaning or not to your personal life it can be seen as a ritualized campaign that our society goes through each year.  I like sharing that with my family, especially the boys.  My youngest son likes to watch for about ten to fifteen minute intervals but runs around a lot.  My oldest son has never expressed any interest in football before, but he sat through most of the game.  I think part of the appeal for him was the commercials and the hope that it would end early.  But it was fun to try and explain the concept of football to him with my wife.

I am not an anthropologist but it seems to me that we need some ritual battles in our society. Our society lives through these events.  Sport and contest our a way to unite with our neighbors.  I like to invite friends over to share in the enjoyment of the game.  This game was worth it.  My wife and I commented that the last few minutes were nail biting.  As I try to become a better parent, I find that I want to share more of my own rituals with my kids. 

Well that's about all I have to say about that.  If you have any rituals for your own family please share them in the comments section.