Final answer:
A ritual is a repeated, symbolic sequence of activities designed to express and define social relations through symbolism. It can serve various purposes, from group solidarity to marking life transitions, and may take the form of religious or secular ceremonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A ritual is a symbolic activity consisting of a series of steps occurring in a fixed sequence and repeated periodically. It involves patterned action conventionally associated with a particular meaning, often incorporating symbolic objects and actions. Rituals serve as a social structure within the cultural context and often relate to habitual actions that society repeats. One key aspect of rituals is their ability to express and define social relations through symbolism. These activities happen within a social context that might involve ambiguity or conflict regarding social relations, and their performance aims to resolve or even disguise these uncertainties.
Rituals can be religious or secular, performed in both public and private settings, and may encompass various types, including rites of intensification, rites of passage, and rites of affliction. The objectives of rituals can range from affirming group solidarity, marking life transformations, to healing and renewal. The flexible nature of rituals means that they can subtly change each time they are enacted due to individual participation and collaboration. Despite this, their primary structure remains consistent to maintain their purpose and meaning within a society.