Ceremony is Everywhere: The Rituals Hiding in Plain Sight
When we think of ceremony, we often picture ancient rituals, religious traditions, or something belonging to the past. But ceremony is alive and thriving all around us—in movies, in our daily lives, and in the moments we mark as important. Ceremony isn’t about rigid rules or outdated customs; it’s about transformation, meaning, and connection.
You don’t have to look far to find it. Some of the most powerful and moving scenes in film are, at their core, ceremonies:
The Na’vi Bonding Ritual (Avatar) – When Jake Sully undergoes the ritual to become one of the Na’vi, it’s more than just an initiation—it’s a deep, sacred connection to their ancestors, the land, and the energy of their world.
Simba’s Presentation (The Lion King) – Rafiki lifting Simba atop Pride Rock, with the entire kingdom bowing, mirrors real-life naming ceremonies and rites of passage found across cultures.
The Sorting Hat Ceremony (Harry Potter) – A moment of identity and fate, where young wizards are "chosen" for their Hogwarts house, echoing tribal and cultural traditions of assigning roles and destinies.
The Jedi Trials (Star Wars) – A student must pass tests of strength, wisdom, and spirit before becoming a full Jedi, much like real-world rites of passage where one must prove readiness to step into a new phase of life.
These scenes captivate us because they reflect something deep within the human experience: the need to mark transitions, to be witnessed, and to honor change.
Ceremony in the Modern World
It’s not just in movies—ceremony is woven into modern life, often disguised as tradition, spectacle, or personal ritual. We may not always recognize it, but these moments carry the same weight as the ancient ceremonies of our ancestors.
Coronations & Inaugurations – Whether it’s the crowning of a monarch or the swearing-in of a president, these ceremonies include sacred texts, oaths, regalia, and public witnessing—essential elements of a powerful rite of passage.
The Fire Ritual at Burning Man – Each year, thousands gather in the Nevada desert for a weeklong communal experience, culminating in the burning of a massive wooden effigy. This is an intentional act of release, transformation, and shared catharsis—a ritual as ancient as fire itself.
Sorority Initiations (Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Key Ceremony) – Many sororities have deeply symbolic rituals, such as Kappa Kappa Gamma’s “Key Ceremony,” where new members receive a symbolic key, representing knowledge, sisterhood, and a lifelong bond.
Breaking the Pointe Shoes (Ballet Rituals) – When a ballerina receives her first pair of pointe shoes, the process of breaking them in—banging them against the floor, softening them with water, sewing in ribbons—is both practical and symbolic. It marks the transition from student to professional, much like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis—delicate yet powerful, transformed and ready to take flight.
The Final Bow in Theater – Actors don’t just step offstage when a performance ends. The final bow is a moment of gratitude, closure, and acknowledgment—between performers and audience, between art and those who witnessed it. On Broadway, closing night bows are especially emotional, as cast members hold hands, sometimes in tears, honoring the journey they’ve taken together.
Beyoncé’s Group Prayer Huddle Before Performances – Before every show, Beyoncé and her team gather in a prayer circle, hands joined, grounding themselves in gratitude, intention, and unity. This pre-show ritual creates a sacred container, ensuring they enter the stage with energy, focus, and a shared purpose.
Tech Launches (Steve Jobs Unveiling the First iPhone, 2007) – Modern technology has its own version of sacred ceremony. When Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone, he did so in a carefully staged, almost liturgical format: unveiling a mystery, using repetition and storytelling, and creating a moment of awe. The world collectively gasped, much like an ancient crowd witnessing a long-foretold prophecy come true.
Why Ceremony Matters
Ceremony gives us meaning. It allows us to step outside the ordinary, recognize transformation, and honor the passage of time. It’s not about religion or tradition—it’s about intention.
We don’t need to wait for someone else to create ceremony for us. We can create our own. Whether it’s lighting a candle before starting something new, gathering loved ones for a moment of gratitude, or inventing a personal ritual for milestones in life, ceremony is ours to reclaim.
Look around—where do you see it? And how can you bring more of it into your own life?
I’d love to hear about ceremonies you have witnessed or taken part in!
Please reach out at hello@shariboyer.com
