Arts & Culture
The Role of Ritual in Maintaining Solidarity in Secular and Pluralistic Societies
Quick fact
In France, the annual celebration of Bastille Day on July 14th is a secular ritual that unites citizens across religious and cultural backgrounds by commemorating a shared political origin, demonstrating that even societies with strict secularism rely on collective ceremonies to maintain social cohesion.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever stood for a national anthem or cheered at a sports event and felt a sudden sense of belonging with thousands of strangers? What makes these moments so powerful?