Topic: Rituals
Source: Maritime Traditions
Relation: Maritime Traditions are almost always born of ancient
rituals of the sea
Description: The passing of the Spyglass can be done in many
ways; from a whole ceremony between the entire crew, to an old Skipper passing
on his most prized possession to the next Captain of the vessel. The passing of
the spyglass is one of the most ancient and most important rite of passage
among sailors. In times gone by a crew member was considered an officer once
they were given their first spyglass. This ceremony has since evolved into a
rite of passage, basically saying that this person that they view in front of
them is no longer considered a child, but a man, and henceforth treated as an
equal among all adults.
Analysis: Inherently many people view a spyglass as an object
that should only be viewed, and not touched. However to those of us that have received
one. It represents the view that we are now an equal among our elders. With
this thought process a ritual is born. Though time and tradition an act that
was originally used to signify a sailors candidacy as an officer grows into a
rite of passage.
I really like it how such a simple item holds so much meaning.
ReplyDeleteThis is what ritual is all about. Its an act with deep meaning and maybe that meaning is not understood by an outsider, but as long as the people involved understand its importance it lives on.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about this maritime ritual before this; it sounds similar to ruler passing on their symbol of power to their successor.
ReplyDeleteIt also stars in a film inspired by the books by Lemony Snicket. The film is called a Series of Unfortunate Events and I strongly recommend you watch the movie. In the movie the passing of the family's Spyglass represented the fact the boy, Klaus, had grew up, like was said.
ReplyDeleteyes, I as well strongly recommend everyone to watch the movie ... I didn't quite understand what passing of a spyglass was, and that brought me here. It was a brilliant thing, really. And you, unknown friend, would probably never come back here, but I just want you to know it was one of the movies I grew up with, besides Harry Potter, LOTR, Polar express etc. and it is very close to my heart.
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