When I stepped outside, the Wiccans stopped, turning as…
““When I stepped outside, the Wiccans stopped, turning as one body and bestowing beatific smiles on me... "Sister Winterbourne" the first one said. She threw open her arms, embrace me, planted a kiss on my lips, then another on my left breast. I yelped... I grabbed the nearest discarded robe. "Could you please put this-- Could you all put these-- Could you get dressed, please?" The woman only bestowed a serene smile on me. "We are as the Goddess requires." "The Goddess requires you to be naked on my lawn?" "We aren't naked child, we're skyclad."... "That's --uh--very-- I mean--" I stammered. Be polite, I reminded myself. Witches should respect Wiccans, even if we didn't quite get the whole Goddesss-Worship thing. I knew some Wiccans, and they were very nice people, though I must admit they'd never arrived in my backyard naked and kissed my tits before.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encountering unfamiliar rituals can cause discomfort but also reveals deeper cultural values.
In simple terms: Strange customs may feel shocking.
Key Takeaway
Stay open, ask respectful questions.
Themes
culture shock
respect
rituals
Mood
curious
uneasy
Type
narrative
reflective
When to use this quote
- travel
- first encounter with new religion
- social gatherings
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
anthropology
boundary setting
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about unfamiliar practices?
- How can you respond respectfully?
A Different Perspective
Assuming all rituals are negative can breed prejudice.