Experimental research by Michael I. Norton, Francesca Gino, and colleagues proves multiple benefits of ritualistic behavior. Rituals not only have the power to alleviate grief, but also serve to enhance the experience of consuming food—even something as mundane as a carrot
All over the world, people in pain turn to rituals in the face of loss—no matter if it's the death of a loved one (dressing in black, for example), the end of a relationship (burning old love letters), or the crushing defeat in a Little League baseball game (graciously shaking hands with the winning team). But what's the point?
This article was provided with permission from Harvard Business School Working Knowledge.