Ceremonial Similitude

Rituals.  The word conjures shadowy images steeped in the obscure mystery of ages past. On a dark, moonless night, cloaked, hooded figures in solemn procession glide toward a high stone alter. Flickering torchlight illuminates the path flanked with onlookers swaying in droning chant.  Standing atop the dais, an imposing figure, his billowing robes grand and elaborate, outstretches his arms to the night, prepared to anoint the accomplished brethren.  Eerie, isn’t it?

The word ritual comes from the Latin ritualis “relating to rites,” from ritus “rite,” and has been in practice since the dawn of humanity.  Remarkably similar in characteristic across the broad expanse of history and cultures, rituals are societies’ ways to mediate significant transitions in people’s lives—transitions that could bring about changes in social standing, life situations and even life itself.  We call them ceremonies, but that’s simply another word for rituals. 

When you really think about, some of our modern ceremonies differ little from the scene described above.  Case in point: graduation.  A podium replaces the altar, electric lights replace torches, the cap replaces the hood, and “Pomp and Circumstance” replaces chanting.  But in the end what you have is a procession of cloaked figures filing forth one by one to a raised dais, whereupon another more prominent cloaked figure stands ready to bestow honors.  Aside from a few paltry details, not much has changed. 

But there is one thing that has changed over time.  There is a new item gaining favor among ritual goers, something unheard of in the days of our predecessors: custom wrapped Hershey’s bars as party favors.  Just like so many rituals throughout history have undoubtedly been followed by uproarious making of merry, today’s graduation parties can compare with the best.  At CARSON wrappedhersheys.com, we want to be a part of all modern rituals, and there’s no better way to get invited than to bring something unique—and chocolate—to the party!