Final answer:
The statement that marriage ceremonies and funerals are good examples of rituals is true. Rituals serve to mark significant life events and have both tangible and symbolic meanings that vary across cultures, yet have common elements that categorize them as cultural universals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the elements of culture, marriage ceremonies and funerals are indeed good examples of rituals. This statement is A) True. Rituals, which can be religious or secular, serve various purposes such as rites of passage or rites of intensification that mark transitions in individuals' life stages or bring communities together. Marriage ceremonies often symbolize the union of individuals and establish a family unit, while funerals mark the departure of a person from the community and provide closure to the bereaved. The structure of these ceremonies can vary widely between cultures, reflecting different beliefs and practices.
Victor Turner defined rituals as organized, stereotyped sequences designed to influence preternatural entities or forces, signifying their deep-rooted place in societal systems. They aren't just concrete actions but hold symbolic meanings which resonate with those participating and observing. Cultural universal aspects like the family structure, and rituals around it such as weddings or funerals, exhibit variations yet maintain commonalities across diverse societies.