In an extraordinary display of courage and community spirit, residents of San Pedro Manrique, Spain, recently participated in an annual fire-walking ritual, captivating thousands of spectators. As they crossed a runway of glowing coals, some even carried others on their backs, the atmosphere buzzed with a palpable sense of unity. This event, held every June, showcases not just physical endurance but also a profound emotional connection among participants and onlookers alike.
Cognitive anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas from the University of Connecticut underscores the significance of this phenomenon, which he describes as “collective effervescence.” Drawing from his experiences in San Pedro Manrique and at various sports events, Xygalatas points out that both participants in rituals and fans at games often report a similar feeling of belonging and togetherness. He connects these experiences to his research on the psychological benefits of shared rituals and collective activities.
Understanding Collective Joy
The concept of collective joy, also referred to as “we mode,” has gained traction in recent discussions about emotional well-being. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford University, explains that this state can be cultivated to enhance life satisfaction. During interactions characterized by shared positive emotions, individuals experience a contagious sense of joy, akin to catching smiles and laughter from others.
McGonigal elaborates on how this phenomenon relates to physiological synchrony, a term originally coined by French sociologist Emile Durkheim over a century ago. Durkheim documented similar feelings of cultural effervescence in his studies of aboriginal Australian societies. More recently, Xygalatas has employed technology, including heart monitors and facial expression analysis, to quantify the physiological responses during group activities. His findings reveal that the heartbeats of individuals participating in live events, such as sports games, tend to synchronize, resulting in increased levels of bonding hormones like endorphins.
Activities to Foster ‘We Mode’
To tap into this enriching experience, McGonigal offers guidance on the types of activities that facilitate “we mode.” She emphasizes the importance of engaging in person rather than virtually, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many sought to recreate positive interactions online with limited success. “If you’re not physically present with people, many of the signals that create the shared state just aren’t there,” she notes.
Active participation is crucial. Whether through cheering, dancing, or singing, engaging fully in the moment allows individuals to experience the collective joy more profoundly. McGonigal advises overcoming feelings of self-consciousness and immersing oneself in the activity. Passive participation, such as merely observing, does not yield the same benefits. She encourages attendees at sporting events or group exercise classes to join in enthusiastically, saying, “If your instructor asks, ‘Can I get a whoop, whoop?’ you’ve got to whoop, whoop.”
The ritualistic fire-walking in San Pedro Manrique serves as a vivid example of how communal activities can foster emotional connections and enhance well-being. As residents and spectators alike partake in this ancient tradition, they not only celebrate their culture but also experience the profound effects of shared joy and unity. Ultimately, engaging in such collective rituals may hold the key to improving overall psychological health, as emphasized by both Xygalatas and McGonigal.
