A group gathering for a marriage ceremony provides an example of which supernatural function?

a)the euphoric function
b)the revitalizing function
c)supportive function
d)all the above

Anthropologists first began to explore the supernatural beliefs and practices of other cultures:
a) before 1900
b) in the 1920s
c) the 1940s
d) the 1950s

before 1900

A, B

To answer the first question, we need to understand the purpose of a marriage ceremony in different cultures and how it can be associated with supernatural functions.

To get this answer, we can use a two-step approach:
1. Understand the meaning and purpose of a marriage ceremony.
2. Identify which supernatural function aligns with the purpose of a marriage ceremony.

Step 1: Understand the meaning and purpose of a marriage ceremony
A marriage ceremony is a ritual or ceremony that symbolizes the union of two individuals in a committed relationship. It is typically conducted with religious or cultural significance and often includes specific rites, customs, and traditions.

Step 2: Identify which supernatural function aligns with the purpose of a marriage ceremony
Now, we can evaluate the given options and determine which one aligns with the purpose of a marriage ceremony:

a) The euphoric function: This refers to the role of supernatural beliefs and practices in creating a sense of joy, happiness, and ecstasy. While a marriage ceremony can be a joyous occasion, it does not necessarily represent the specific purpose of supernatural beliefs or practices creating a euphoric state. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.

b) The revitalizing function: This refers to the role of supernatural beliefs and practices in reinvigorating individuals or communities. While a marriage ceremony can bring a sense of renewal and new beginnings, it does not necessarily represent the specific purpose of revitalization through supernatural beliefs or practices. Therefore, we can eliminate this option as well.

c) The supportive function: This refers to the role of supernatural beliefs and practices in providing support, guidance, or protection. A marriage ceremony often involves invoking blessings from deities or higher powers, seeking their support and guidance for the couple's journey together. It can also involve rituals to safeguard the couple's relationship from negative influences. Therefore, this option aligns with the purpose of a marriage ceremony.

d) "All of the above" would be the correct answer as it includes all the functions mentioned in options a, b, and c. However, as we have determined that only option c aligns with the purpose of a marriage ceremony, we can eliminate this option.

So, the answer to the first question is c) the supportive function.

Moving on to the second question:

To determine when anthropologists first began to explore the supernatural beliefs and practices of other cultures, we need to consider the timeline of their studies.

To get this answer, we can use a simple process of elimination by reviewing the options:

a) Before 1900: This option suggests that anthropologists began exploring supernatural beliefs and practices before the year 1900. Anthropology as a discipline emerged during the late 19th century, so it is a possibility that some early anthropologists might have studied supernatural beliefs. However, we cannot confirm whether this exploration occurred before or after the year 1900. Therefore, we cannot conclusively select this option.

b) In the 1920s: This option suggests that anthropologists began exploring supernatural beliefs and practices in the 1920s. While it is possible that anthropological studies of supernatural beliefs increased during this time, it is not a definitive point of origin for their exploration. Therefore, we cannot select this option.

c) The 1940s: This option suggests that anthropologists began exploring supernatural beliefs and practices in the 1940s. While anthropologists might have deepened their understanding of different cultures during this period, it is not a specific point of origin for their exploration of supernatural beliefs. Therefore, we cannot select this option either.

d) The 1950s: This option suggests that anthropologists began exploring supernatural beliefs and practices in the 1950s. As anthropological studies progressed and expanded, the 1950s can be considered a more likely time frame for increased exploration of supernatural beliefs in different cultures. Therefore, this is the most plausible option among the given choices.

Therefore, the answer to the second question is d) the 1950s.

It's important to note that answers may vary based on different historical perspectives, but this explanation provides a logical approach to finding the most suitable answers based on the information given.