20100111

BODY RITUAL AMONG THE NACIREMA

The Nacirema people seem to be uneducated and can not be blamed for it. They take part in various rituals that in many times include their body in some sort of way. These rituals are bizarre and some are even torturous. There are cases that if a member of the group as a cavity due to decay, the holy-mouth-man will enlarge the tooth using barbaric tools and methods, or simply pull the tooth out. This is done to stop the decay from further contaminating the mouth. The logic behind this seems right, but the approach they use is very inhumane. The women of the Nacirema people also are involved in strange rituals. They bake their head in a small oven. I am still unclear of the reason for why they would want to do this, but I guess it is just another part of their life style.
They also keep sacred boxes or chests in their house, in which they store magical potions and powders. They believe that these magical objects are able to cure their diseases and keep them safe. Usually these boxes are overflowing with excess powders and potions, ones that they no longer remember what its use was, but are to afraid to throw it out.
The Nacirema beleive in these practices, despite the fact that they do not work. The just lack the knowledge and understanding to know better.

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