Hello All,
As the syllabus states, you should have read pages 2-48 in Eliade's Myth of the Eternal Return.
The text is complex, and Eliade uses a multitude of examples, so pay attention to the individual patterns and structures.
For example, on page 4, Eliade writes that human acts have value not from "their crude physical datum but with their property of reproducing a primordial act, of repeating a mythical example."
In other words, Eliade claims that we find meaning in repeating those same acts and processes that our ancestors found meaning; he implies that part of the reason we find these events meaningful is because they are the same as what our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents--not to mention individuals from history, myth, and religion--experienced.
You have probably experienced many meaninful moments in your life. For this blog, describe one of those moments.
Rogelio Alvarado
ReplyDeleteOne meaningful moment that I have experienced was graduating form high school and entering college. It was important because years ago I had already seen my older sister graduate, so I said to myself that I had to follow her steps and do the same. A few months ago this occurrence came back again in the moment of the graduation of the same sister from UC Davis, which now I am pursuing the same meaningful path to graduate as well with a determination from CSUB.
Sandra Garcia
ReplyDeleteBefore my dad was married he had the opportunity to go on a missions trip for the church he was attending. He went out of the state and helped a church that was in need for a while. He would always tell me stories of his experience, and I always said to myself that this is something I would want to experience at some point in my life. Last year I had the opportunity to do the same and I took that opportunity. It was a very rewarding feeling.
A memorable and meaningful moment in my life was the second i said, "i do" to the love of my life. The wedding day is something every girl dreams about at one time or another. A wedding is an experience that many people get the opportunity to participate in and it is always an unforgettable day.
ReplyDeleteChika Nwanonenyi
ReplyDeleteFor me, that moment happened in Decemeber 2008. I was finally getting a chance to visit the other part of my family in Nigeria. I did not realize how big my family was until that moment. It was an amazing experince and I learned a lot from my trip. The food was delicious, the weather was extremely hot and humid, and realize all the necessities people take for granted. All the things we have in the U.S. they have as well. I'm hoping to re-visit next year.
Who doesn’t like bread? The texture, smell and taste are irresistible. A meaningful experience that has been enjoyed in my family for many generations is baking. My great-great-grandfather, and great-grand-father were bakers, and my grandfather is also a baker. In a sense it’s a kind of ritual when my grandfather bakes bread, because not only do we get to help out, but it’s an opportunity to hear my grandfather speak about his memories from his father and grandfather and how great their bread tasted. My grandfather tends to also talk about how his life was when growing up, how he met my grandmother and many other things from his past; it is always great to hear about love stories. One of my sisters went to a culinary school in San Francisco and has found baking to be very interesting, so we hope that she continues carrying the tradition of baking in our family. - Zully
ReplyDeleteMelissa Sherman
ReplyDeleteMy meaningful moment came when my family from Idaho were visiting, and we were standing around talking and my siblings said, "Oh my Goodness Missie you stand just like Dad!" Until that moment, it hadn't occurred to me that in fact not only was I doing so at that very moment, but as we looked around the room...so were three of my four children doing likewise. It made several of us laugh for a moment to realize, that even though I was not raised with these siblings, or with my Father, this trait of how we place our hands upside-down on our hips... carried down through the generations. I now look at life with a secret smile and say... "Take that Mr. Darwin" there might just be a little something to your theories regarding genetics versus environment. Although, forgive me Sir, if I kindly disagree in that my ancestors did not evolve from a primordial ooze or anything that crawled.
Nicole Lackey
ReplyDeleteI have many meaningful moments in my life, but I would definitely agree that the most memorable moment in my life took place on August 19th, 2005 at 12:01pm. This is the moment that my daughter, Alexis, was born. No other moment that I have experienced thus far in my life could possibly top the moment that I brought another life into the world. Giving life is something that women have been doing since the beginning. Without this event the world (or people perhaps) would not exist, and to be a part of this creation is amazing. Words cannot describe the feelings that I experienced the day my daughter was born. Fortunately, the majority of women will have the opportunity to experience this wonderful tradition as well.
One of the most meaningful moments I have had was today. My brother, his wife, and son came to visit. I have only seen my brother 3 times in eight years because he and his wife are in the U.S. Air Force. Today was the fourth time seeing him after two years. It was nice knowing my brother and I have a strong relationship and treat each other as if we never spent time apart. He was able to bring most of the family together for a bbq and share laughs and love. This was meaningful because we don’t get to see my brother or his family often and his presence was able to put the family drama aside and just enjoy everyone’s company. There is nothing better than having fun with your family.
ReplyDeleteAshley Corvera
ReplyDeleteOne meaningful moment that stands out in particular from the rest would have to be when I got married. Growing up, I was always an independent person. With that said I never thought I get married in a million years. But all that changed when I met someone that is truly worth it. I look forward everyday to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and I would not have it any other way.
One meaningful moment of my life would be a little over five years ago, my sophomore year in High school were I was blessed to have meet my other half. This is an unforgettable event because it gave a positive turn to my life. That day was not only special but it was also one of the most unforgettable field trips our science class took. -- Thalia
ReplyDeleteFrancisco Hernandez
ReplyDeleteAn act that I used to follow as a tradition was going to church. Before, I used to think that going to church was only a Sunday tradition. Furthermore, I would go to church because my parents would make me. However, this “ritual” has disappeared. Thanks to my girlfriend, she became an instrument to bring me closer to my God. Then, I began to discover that attending church should not be an act that we do as any ordinary act. I discovered this because I constantly have personal encounters with God. He has showed me that we are brought to this world to follow his steps. Now, I thank my ancestors for passing on this act because I found the true meaning of attending church: to celebrate the death and revival of our Savor who is alive with us, Jesus.
Rosa Mendoza
ReplyDeleteOne meaningful moment that I have experienced in my life was when my little sister was born. I was happy to know that there was going to be a little girls in the house. The day that she was born was one of the happiest day of my life. I love to be around children, but knowing that the little girl was going to be my sister made it more special.
The most meaningful part of my life was two years ago when I got married. It was not a big wedding but it was special and I would not change that for anything. Unforgettable!
ReplyDelete-Cristina Elizondo
The most meaningful moment in my life was when I gave birth to my son Zacharias. I was so nervous and scared not knowing what I had gotten myself into. That all changed the moment I met my son, it was amazing. He had the biggest eyes ever and that was a moment I will never forget. When we had that first look with each other.That is truly a special moment I hope every woman can experience and treasure in her life!
ReplyDeleteA meaningful moment for me was when I realized that my purpose in life was to become a teacher. My son who is nine now was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. He had all of the classic symptoms, and he did not speak. I thought this was devastating and unfair.Through many trials and questions with my son we found a path to healing. My son is now very high functioning and extreamly bright. I realized two years ago my calling was to become a special education teacher. I had never wanted to be a teacher, but it is career that is prevalent in my family. My great-great grandmother was a teacher in a one room school house. My grandma was a teacher and I have two older sisters that are teachers. It must run in our blood.
ReplyDeleteHilda Nieblas
ReplyDeleteOne of the most memorable moments of my life this far would be my Quinceanera. For many generations girls in my family celebrated their Quinceaneras, it made me eager to celebrate my own. It is both a religious and a life commencement where you show that you are now a young woman. During the celebration there is religious offerings and a dance with the father that symbolizes letting go of a young girl and presenting a young woman. This was a very special day where I felt like a princess and proud that I got to experience it.
A memorable and meaningful moment in my life was the day I bought my first car. I felt great, accomplished, so many different feelings all at once. Although, along with the car came a lot of responsibilities, but that experience finally made me feel like an adult.
ReplyDeleteBaleria A
Gonzalo Heredia
ReplyDeleteOne meaningful day in my life was the day I decided college. It was special because i was able to join my sister and share that experience with her.
Joanna Marcial
ReplyDeleteI have had many meaningful moments in my life, but one of the most important ones was when my parents opened up their second restaurant. This was meaningful because they started this one by themselves, and went through so much to open it, so it was special when they did. The first one was also meaningful because it was their first family business. They have an important meaning because it has helped my family, as well as other employees economically.
Calie
ReplyDeleteA meaningful moment in my life would be when my father came from out of state to see me graduate from high school. He was dying from colon cancer at the time so it meant a lot to me to see him there. He would tell me that he was proud that I would be the first one to go to college in his family.
The most meaningful moment of my life was the day I gave birth to my son, Adrian. The memory of the day my son was born will always bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. The day is so meaningful and the day has directly impacted every day of my life. This day has lead to years of happiness and fun in my home. So it is no wonder that the day I brought my amazing son into the world was the most memorable and meaningful day I will ever experience.
ReplyDeleteJavier Calderon
ReplyDeleteOne of the most meaningful moments of my life was when I decided to become an atheist. I was under great existential stress about five years ago. I was going to church, but could not feel, let alone understand, the concept of God. I thought there was something wrong with me. However, I liberated myself from this anguish and discovered my human potential. I take full responsibility for my acts, and I am good just for the pleasure of being good, not expecting any future reward or punishment for my behavior. It is very odd, I know, but I found meaning in nothingness.
One memorable experience that I have duplicated from my childhood is relocating my family. My parents relocated our family from Watertown, New York to Phoenix, Arizona when I was ten years old. My father wanted to peruse a career as a professional golfer. They also wanted to better their lives and provide more opportunities for my brother and me, by moving to a larger city. My husband & I also relocated after we were married; however, we moved from a large city to a small town in northern Az. We wanted to instill small town values and provide a safe environment for our children. Where they could be involved in clubs like 4-H, and raise animals and learn responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteLauri Slocumb
One memorable moment in my life was the day my cousin was born. I was her to see her take her first breath in the world. This had remained with me always and is something that I look forward to seeing again. I loved the hapiness and joy that I experienced along with how it brought my whole family together.
ReplyDeleteThe above one is from Ariana Branson
ReplyDeleteAshly Anfield
ReplyDeleteOne meaningful moment that I have experienced is giving birth to my son. I can remember being afraid right before I was on my way to the hospital. Being that i was my first child and I didnt know what to expect. Although the experience was very painful of having a baby, he was the best gift i could have ever recieved from God.
Maricela I.
ReplyDeleteOne meaningful day in my life was when I graduated with honors from high school like my two older siblings, and decided to go to college. This was meaningful to me because I have four siblings that are going to college or already graduated from college. I will be the next one to graduate. This has been worth a lot to our family because our parents have shown us the correct path to our future by getting an education.
Amber Gilliam
ReplyDeleteOne of the most meaningful moments in my life was the day I had my son. I knew nothing could give me greater joy or bring more clarity into my life than parenthood. It hasn't always been easy but I would not trade it for the world!