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What is a Rite of Intensification (offer an example)

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Final answer:

A Rite of Intensification is a communal ritual aimed at reinforcing solidarity and collective identity within a group. Examples include the Islamic prayer salat and the Nagol land diving ceremony in Vanuatu.

Step-by-step explanation:

A Rite of Intensification is a ritual performed by a religious or community group with the purpose of affirming, strengthening, and maintaining bonds of solidarity among its members. These rituals are often repetitive and involve the community's collective participation, which enables the members to identify with each other and the group as a whole. A well-known example of a Rite of Intensification is the Islamic prayer, or salat, which is performed five times a day by Muslims all around the world, facing the holy city of Mecca, thereby affirming their membership in a global community of faith.

Another example comes from the South Pacific island of Pentecost in Vanuatu, where the land diving ceremony, known as Nagol, is performed. Here, the community members come together to participate or witness the construction of wooden towers and the subsequent dives, which are intended to ensure a good harvest and can also mark a boy's passage into manhood. The collective effort and celebration reinforce community bonds and serve as a Rite of Intensification.

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