The relationship between religious rite and social power is of a very complex nature. In each society examined thus far, religious rituals are woven into nearly every aspect of life, from social taboos to hunting rites to marriage and countless other cultural aspects. Religious ritual is so woven into the fabric of society that separating the ritual from the act is often impossible. In researching this topic I have become aware of two forms of connection that need to be addressed to fully cover the idea governing the connection of these principles. First, the anthropologists studied here have provided us with the general structural importance of religious ritual for social power in the unity and cohesion of ideas provided by such rituals. To do this, however, they had to examine current rituals in society and the purpose they serve even within the temporal space they occupy. As a means to unity, religious ritual serves to create a viable and functioning society. Religious ritual not only establishes the social structure, but also strengthens it by serving a political and structural force. Political power and social relationships are strengthened through rituals and in doing so serve to preserve social order. This is achieved through religious ritual through influence and even total control over a community's politics. Religious ritual also serves as a function to restore peace and harmony and relieve tension that builds up in often changing and imperfect social structures. Religious ritual and social power can also be highlighted by studying the most intimate aspects at the level of the person rather than the individual. the social function as a whole. This notion of individual influence and social power obtained from... middle of paper ......n the Boas Indians was also able to discern participation among members of a society in certain ceremonies that are “intended to serve partly for political purposes." , partly a religious purpose” (266). The relationship between religious ritual and social power as discussed in this article is a very intertwined and connected relationship. In many cases the separation of actions and ceremonies in the strictly social or religious sphere is impossible and the benefits deriving from participation in these rituals serve both the group and the individual. Although social power is not the same as religious ritual, they often go hand in hand, and taking part in rituals with the aim of achieving a religious goal also simultaneously affects their political and social position. Furthermore, it is not possible to ignore the greater function of religious ritual argued within the texts examined.