People find their identity through their morals, cultural, social, and environmental surroundings. Such elements combined create unique traditions practiced by different societies around the world. Ceremonies are formal religious or public occasions, typically celebrating events or anniversaries. Ceremonies are used to continue or celebrate tradition, and can range from celebrating Christmas to using herbal remedies to heal.

Sherman Alexie

Practicing ceremonies help one find their identity by uniting them with their beliefs (religious, spiritual, etc) and allows them to put such beliefs practical, or celebratory use. Such practices usually encourage one to learn about their heritage and bring them closer to surrounding people, ultimately causing one to learn more about oneself and ones own identity.

Rudolfo Anaya

Ceremonies are often controversial since many stem from religious or cultural backgrounds. An example of a controversial ceremonies are the healing spells Ultima preforms in the novel, Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. Ultima's ceremonies confuse many of the towns people, and cause them to believe she is a witch. However, many ceremonies are processes of one growing and learning about themselves. In the novel, Ceremony, by Leslie Marmon Silko, Silko shows the transformation of the main character Tayo through multiple ceremonies he endures trying to find health. Tayo endures many internal ceremonies, and two formal ceremonies preformed by medicine men. Although the ceremonies Tayo goes through eventually restore his health, they would be considered controversial by many (particularly modern day) societies. In Sherman Alexie's short story, "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona," the main character Victor goes through the internal ceremony of letting go of his father by releasing his ashes.

Leslie Marmon Silko

Ceremonies can bring people together, or push them apart; they can create controversy, or help heal.