Ritual is often dismissed by secular critics as empty repetition, a vestige of a superstitious past. Yet, many sociologists observe that secular societies have simply invented new rituals to take the place of the old. From the precise protocols of a courtroom to the rhythmic chants of a political rally, ritual functions to create a sense of 'collective effervescence.' It signals that an event is significant, lifting it out of the profane flow of everyday time. Ritual provides a structured environment where social roles are enacted and reinforced. Even the most ardent secularist participates in rituals—the birthday party, the graduation ceremony—that fulfill the same basic human need for symbolic order and communal recognition that religious liturgies once provided.