Symbols and rituals connect deep spiritual significance to the community development process in oral cultures. Community development workers from print-based cultures often overlook the value of symbols and rituals. Stories from various cultural contexts are described in this article to contrast oral and print cultures. Then important roles for symbols in rituals are demonstrated based on Turner's (1967) three properties of symbols: polarization, condensation, and unification. Suggestions are given for development workers to develop and adapt rituals in oral cultures.
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