Extraordinary Rituals

Season 1

TV-PG

In every culture, our rituals reveal what it means to be human. They allow us to express our identity, join us together and help us navigate through life. Extraordinary Rituals explores moments we all experience from birth and death to marriage and funerals. Highlighting ancient and modern ceremonies, spectacular and extreme, from the cities of Japan to the jungles of New Guinea.

Where to Watch Extraordinary Rituals • Season 1

3 Episodes

Circle of Life
E1
Circle of LifeOn our journey from cradle to grave, we mark the most important moments of our lives with rituals and ceremonies around birth, marriage and death. These life events, and often the emotions around them, are universal. Yet across the globe we perform them in extremely different ways.
Great Gatherings
E2
Great GatheringsGreat Gatherings looks at rituals that bring people together in huge numbers, and explores how these incredible ceremonies keep communities alive and help us to reinforce our own identity by joining the crowd. These rituals bind us together, whether as part of a cheering football crowd or standing silent on Armistice Day. By sharing our experiences with thousands or millions of people, rituals can make us feel part of something greater than ourselves.
Changing World
E3
Changing WorldThis final episode looks at how rituals adapt in our changing world. Rituals have always evolved, but as the pace of change increases, how do ancient ceremonies stay relevant, how do they change, and when do we invent new rituals to answer our needs?