Does Performing A ‘Ritual’ Make "Religion" Taste Better?
RED ORBIT
By Brett Smith
Ritualized behaviors and subsequent actions are probably most popular in the world of sports. From fans to coaches to players – game day rituals are popular at every level of every sport. In sumo wrestling, each match is preceded by a pregame ritual derived from Shinto religious practices, including a leg-stomping exercise to drive evil spirits from the ring and the tossing of salt to purify the ring. Although it might not seem like it, going out to any restaurant can be a ritualistic experience. A new study published in the journal Psychological Science has found these rituals before eating, like singing Happy Birthday before eating cake, can actually enhance the perception of the food being eaten. The researchers also found that if people are drawn into the ritual, it can fully account for the positive effects on eating experiences. [link]
By Brett Smith
Ritualized behaviors and subsequent actions are probably most popular in the world of sports. From fans to coaches to players – game day rituals are popular at every level of every sport. In sumo wrestling, each match is preceded by a pregame ritual derived from Shinto religious practices, including a leg-stomping exercise to drive evil spirits from the ring and the tossing of salt to purify the ring. Although it might not seem like it, going out to any restaurant can be a ritualistic experience. A new study published in the journal Psychological Science has found these rituals before eating, like singing Happy Birthday before eating cake, can actually enhance the perception of the food being eaten. The researchers also found that if people are drawn into the ritual, it can fully account for the positive effects on eating experiences. [link]
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