Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Post for Feb. 11

Hello All,

As with the first reading from Eliade, focus on the larger structure of ideas, not the individual examples.

One concept that Eliade discusses in this section is the idea of pre-creation chaos and invasion of the dead as part of a larger system and ritual of renewal. During these celebrations or ritual periods, "the dead invad[e] the earth, communicat[e] with the living, and thus creat[e] a confusion that announce[s] the close of the current cosmic cycle" (p. 73).

One current example of this is our celebration of Halloween. For this post, describe your favorite Halloween costume from childhood (or adulthood, if you still celebrate). If you are offended by Halloween, describe the costume that most offends you.