These three
functions - social, historical and symbolic-which we have so far considered are objective
in character. But ritual is cherished more often for its subjective influence than for its
objective aim. Therefore let us see what the subjective functions of ritualism are.
Ritualism has the obvious psychological function of providing an outlet for religious
emotion. Every emotion tries to seek an outlet in action. It finds satisfaction in
something that is done under its
influence. Joy expresses itself in shouts and laughter, and sorrow expresses itself in
groans and tears. Religious emotion too craves for expression and finds it in the
prescribed ritual. The worshipper has the
satisfaction, after going through a long ceremony, that he has done something with a holy
purpose, and that this act of his is different from his secular acts, that it is a thing
apart and sacred in character. Take, for instance, the funeral ceremonies, which a dutiful
son has to perform after the death of his father. There is no doubt that they afford an
outlet to the sacred filial affection of the mourner, which struggles to express it.
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