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Sociology

Rituals of Rebirth in Contemporary Secular Societies

Quick fact

In contemporary secular societies, millions of individuals create personal 'rebirth rituals'—from quitting smoking to starting a fitness regimen—which mirror the structure of traditional initiation rites, complete with a symbolic 'death' of the old self and a 'rebirth' into a new identity.

Why this is interesting

You've probably made a New Year's resolution—or at least joked about it—but did you know that such a simple promise taps into a ritual structure as ancient as human society?