It’s no surprise that American culture tends to differ then the rest of the world. Americans simply have little to no sacred rituals performed and passed on throughout history. Where one could consider specific holidays such as the 4th of July and Thanksgiving sacred, these holidays simply signify a remembrance of our past and don’t celebrate the life of individuals. For this reason I believe that if America were to adopt a cultural practice from around the world it should be the finger cutting ritual of the Dani tribe from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. Americans should adopt aspects of this culture not only for the emotional release but also as a symbol of unity. The Dani tribe resides in an extremely remote area of Papua Province in a town
…show more content…
Along with amputation, they also smeared their faces with ashes and clay, as an expression of sorrow. (Sumitra, 2011) Although we Americans have funeral ceremonies ourselves there is no personal sacrifice made to show our grief of losing a person. The finger-cutting ritual leaves an individual in physical pain symbolizing the suffering and pain due to the loss of a loved one. (Sumitra, 2011) The finger would be cut by a close family member, like the mother, father or a sibling and allowed to dry, before they were burned and the ashes buried in a special area. (Sumitra, 2011) Most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44 percent reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Concerns about money, work and the economy top the list of most frequently cited sources of stress. However the emotional stress about loss in family is on the rise, with 25 percent of respondents citing such fears as a source of stress, up from 20 percent last year according to the American Psychological Association. (Clay, 2014) Americans are simply finding it harder to let …show more content…
Each finger needs to cooperate with one another to build strength so their hands can function perfectly. With the loss of just one finger performance is hindered tremendously. For Dani, a finger can be interpreted as a symbol of harmony, unity, and strength in man as well as a family. So if one part disappears, then the family is diminished in strength. (Purnama-Sari, 2014) The deep sorrow and hurt the bereaved family members, will be recovered if the wound had healed and the finger does not hurt anymore. (Barnaby, 2015) The finger cutting ritual had unified the Dani tribe for centuries. Although its origin is unknown the practice of amputation had signified the Dani’s devotion for one another. (Jahoda, 2009) Although I believe we shouldn’t go to the extreme of amputating a finger, I do believe we can implement various portions of the Dani ritual in to our own to enhance American unity. By giving up something of great importance we too can show our commitment to not only loved one but also friends and
Along with amputation, they also smeared their faces with ashes and clay, as an expression of sorrow. (Sumitra, 2011) Although we Americans have funeral ceremonies ourselves there is no personal sacrifice made to show our grief of losing a person. The finger-cutting ritual leaves an individual in physical pain symbolizing the suffering and pain due to the loss of a loved one. (Sumitra, 2011) The finger would be cut by a close family member, like the mother, father or a sibling and allowed to dry, before they were burned and the ashes buried in a special area. (Sumitra, 2011) Most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44 percent reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Concerns about money, work and the economy top the list of most frequently cited sources of stress. However the emotional stress about loss in family is on the rise, with 25 percent of respondents citing such fears as a source of stress, up from 20 percent last year according to the American Psychological Association. (Clay, 2014) Americans are simply finding it harder to let …show more content…
Each finger needs to cooperate with one another to build strength so their hands can function perfectly. With the loss of just one finger performance is hindered tremendously. For Dani, a finger can be interpreted as a symbol of harmony, unity, and strength in man as well as a family. So if one part disappears, then the family is diminished in strength. (Purnama-Sari, 2014) The deep sorrow and hurt the bereaved family members, will be recovered if the wound had healed and the finger does not hurt anymore. (Barnaby, 2015) The finger cutting ritual had unified the Dani tribe for centuries. Although its origin is unknown the practice of amputation had signified the Dani’s devotion for one another. (Jahoda, 2009) Although I believe we shouldn’t go to the extreme of amputating a finger, I do believe we can implement various portions of the Dani ritual in to our own to enhance American unity. By giving up something of great importance we too can show our commitment to not only loved one but also friends and