B. Play - Ritualization in ontogeny: I. Animal play

Abstract In an evolutionary context the meaning of the term ‘ritualization’ is crystal clear. For, as we have already heard in this Symposium, there is abundant evidence that, in the course of evolution, intention movements, displacement activities, etc., have been developed, modified or schematized to serve as social signals or 'releasers’ for appropriate behaviour in fellow members of the species. The meaning of ritualization is also clear in human life. Here ritual is an act often repeated, especially in a ceremonial way, which represents, stands for, or symbolizes some ideas, emotions or events. The ritual acts of religion are the ideal examples where every act of a complex rite symbolizes to the participant, some significant facet of doctrine or dogma. Through the ages the acts themselves have often become simplified and stereotyped, have been reduced to a minimum, so as to mime the original idea in the simplest possible manner, often with the utmost economy of gesture.