Practices – Page 17 – Temple Study

Mona Lisa Smile – Matriculation Ceremony

January 25, 2008 by Bryce Haymond 4 Comments

Not only do the graduation ceremonies of universities have interesting ritual qualities, but the matriculation ceremonies do also. The commentor Jonovitch on the Times and Seasons blog also made a reference to one of the opening scenes from the movie Mona Lisa Smile. This scene is from a 1953 matriculation ceremony, or a type of induction or initiation, of Wellesley College, a conservative women’s private liberal arts college in Massachusetts.

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The Black Robes of a False Priesthood

January 24, 2008 by Bryce Haymond 12 Comments

Here Dr. Hugh Nibley quotes himself in one of his most well-known sayings. The video is taken from his prominent BYU commencement address he gave on August 19, 1983 that he entitled “Leaders to Managers: The Fatal Shift.” We smile and chuckle at the brazenness with which Nibley makes this tongue in cheek submission. But is there any real merit to what he said? He seemed to think so; that is why he took the opportunity of this commencement address to explain himself.

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Knocking 3 times on the Holy Door

January 23, 2008 by Bryce Haymond 8 Comments

Pope knocking on Holy Door/Amenhotep III striking doorpost with mace

One of the more interesting rites that has been practiced throughout time is one where a high priest knocks on a holy door or gate three times with a hammer, mallet, or mace before opening and entering.

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