Yep.
> It is intended to have a
> definite transfinite impact.
Sometimes. Not always. That's the point, the word "ceremony" does not automatically imply any sort of magic.
> I'm at a loss for a ritual that is empty of import,
Totally empty of import, probably not, even if it's an invalid import percieved only by the participant: like the ritual of what order pressies are taken from the Xmas tree, or blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. Empty of magical import, yes, that's normal. Most wedding ceremonies, the import is legal, not magical. The Ritual of Weighing In I did tonight had no magical intent at all (unless you believe the adverts that claim magical weight loss for this diet program).
> or a religious ceremony that is.
Truly religious, probably not, normal stuff that happens in churches, yes. It's tradition, a social event, following the crowd.
> In fact, the reason for oaths and prayers in our
> national ceremonies ... is
> that the ceremony is intended to invoke the
> transmundane.
Was, not is. Hence them being led by people who don't understand what they're saying. And that's hardly new, either.
> The thought that ceremonies exist as pageantry only
> is quite new, and not a part of our common
heritage.
Very old, actually. Think about a Roman triumph. Ceremony, ritual, and pure pageantry designed to impress onlookers.
Sure, ceremonies *can* have magical intentions. Bottles *can* contain mead, not water or beer. But it's not part of the definition.
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