Performance and Occasion

After reading Burke’s article, “Performing History and the Importance of Occasions”, I now understand performances as significant events in one’s life, with reference to religion, culture, or something of the like.  One performance that I believe to be a vital part of my past was my getting baptized.  Baptism is an important aspect of Christianity; while it does not determine whether or not you are a Christian and go to Heaven or not, it’s a public declaration of one’s faith and dedication in following Christ.  I was fifteen when I decided to take this step.  In front of my entire church congregation, I let my youth pastor dunk me underwater as a symbol of my growing faith. 

A second performance I have experienced in my life was my graduation from high school.  Although I did not view this as a major achievement- high school, while difficult at times, was far from impossible- I still considered this is a major step in my life.  Walking across that stage to shake my principal’s hand and receive my diploma was a symbol of completing one chapter in my life and starting a new one.  I was done with high school; it was time to move on to bigger things, like college and a career.  I knew that it would only get harder from there, but it was all a part of life.  With thousands and thousands of friends, parents, and other relatives watching, I took my diploma as a symbol of moving from high school on to greater things.