The evil eye culture culture and discuss their use of magic, witchcraft, and/or religion in a minimum 5-page paper (10-pages if your are in the Honors Course) plus an additional works cited page listing a minimum of 3 scholarly sources (double spaced, 12pt., Times New Roman) Do not just tell us about the culture; try to analyze their religious practice utilizing the course theories and perspectives from clifford geertz theory and resonate with the evil eye concept . What are the origins of their religious practice and why is it appealing to them? What functions or meanings do these practices have? Are there any rituals or rites that are practiced and how do they operate?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Culture of the Evil Eye: Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
Introduction
The concept of the evil eye has been deeply ingrained in various cultures throughout history. This phenomenon, often associated with magic, witchcraft, and religion, has captivated the attention of scholars and researchers for centuries. In this paper, we will explore the culture surrounding the evil eye, delving into its origins, appeal, functions, and rituals. Through the lens of Clifford Geertz’s theory, we will analyze the religious practices related to the evil eye and their significance within the cultural context.
Origins and Appeal
The origins of the evil eye can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of its existence found in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. The belief in the power of the evil eye stems from the notion that certain individuals possess a malevolent gaze capable of causing harm or misfortune to others. This concept is deeply rooted in superstition and fear, appealing to people’s desire to protect themselves from potential harm.
One reason why the evil eye holds such appeal is its ability to provide a plausible explanation for misfortunes or unexplained occurrences. In cultures that embrace this belief system, the evil eye becomes a convenient scapegoat for accidents, illnesses, or even economic setbacks. By attributing these unfortunate events to the malevolent gaze of others, individuals can find solace in understanding the cause of their misfortune.
Moreover, the evil eye offers a sense of control and protection. Rituals and talismans are often employed to ward off the evil eye’s influence, providing individuals with a sense of security against harm. This aspect of the belief system creates a sense of empowerment for those who fear the potential consequences of the evil eye’s gaze.
Functions and Meanings
The practices associated with the evil eye serve multiple functions within the cultural context. Firstly, they act as a form of social control. The fear of the evil eye encourages individuals to conform to societal norms and expectations. It discourages envy and promotes humility, as individuals strive to avoid attracting malicious glances.
Additionally, the belief in the evil eye functions as a mechanism for social cohesion. It creates a shared belief system that fosters a sense of community among its adherents. Rituals and customs related to the evil eye are often performed collectively, reinforcing social bonds and strengthening cultural identity.
Furthermore, the evil eye serves as an interpretive framework for understanding and navigating life’s uncertainties. It provides individuals with a lens through which they can interpret their experiences and assign meaning to seemingly random events. This sense-making function allows individuals to make sense of their world and find comfort in understanding the causes behind their circumstances.
Rituals and Rites
Rituals play a significant role in the culture surrounding the evil eye. These rites aim to protect individuals from its harmful effects and alleviate any existing curses or ill fortune. One common ritual is the use of talismans or amulets believed to ward off the evil eye’s gaze. These protective objects can take various forms, including blue beads, hamsa hands, or even animal figurines.
Another ritualistic practice involves performing specific gestures or uttering prayers to counteract the malevolent influence of the evil eye. For example, in some cultures, individuals may spit three times or make a hand gesture when confronted with a potentially envious individual. These actions are believed to deflect the harmful intentions of those who possess the evil eye.
In addition to individual rituals, communal ceremonies are also held to protect entire communities from the evil eye’s effects. These ceremonies often involve religious leaders or healers who perform elaborate rituals aimed at cleansing individuals or spaces from any malevolent energy.
Conclusion
The culture surrounding the evil eye is a complex web of magic, witchcraft, and religion that has persisted throughout history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, and its appeal lies in its ability to provide explanations for misfortune while offering a sense of control and protection. The practices associated with the evil eye serve multiple functions within their cultural context, acting as a form of social control, fostering social cohesion, and providing individuals with a framework for interpreting their experiences. Through rituals and rites, individuals seek protection from the malevolent gaze while finding solace in their shared beliefs. The study of this culture offers valuable insights into how humans navigate uncertainties and assign meanings to the world around them.
