Whether heroes or anti-heroes, comedians or dramatic actors, cartoon characters or real-life people, the tricksters still entertain and fascinate people. We take pleasure in the tricks they play on others, and we take satisfaction when their tricks fall back on them.

On the other side of the spectrum, and despite our American mistrust of ritual, we still hold sacred certain beliefs, places, and practices. Religions, the military, fraternities and sororities, the Masons and Shriners, and other groups still practice sacred rites and rituals. The need for reverence, for a sense of identity, for security are all met in the sacredness of certain objects, places, and actions. While some may be public like the 9/11 Memorial or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, others can be more personal, like a family heirloom or a wedding ring. These objects and places reconnect us to what is most important in our lives.