What is the ultimate goal of performing rituals in cargo cults?

In cargo cults, the ultimate goal of performing rituals is to attract divine or ancestral favor for prosperity. These cults often arise in response to encounters with external cultures, typically involving European or American influences, where the local population perceives that material wealth (cargo) is derived from spiritual practices and supernatural forces. The rituals are conducted in the belief that they can invoke the assistance of deities or ancestral spirits to bring about the desired abundance and resources, replicating the experiences of outsiders who seemingly acquire wealth with ease.

This focus on spiritual intervention reflects the dynamics of hope and a deep yearning for improvement in one’s material conditions, which is central to the beliefs of many cargo cults. While social prestige, documentation of cultural histories, and artistic expression are elements that can be associated with cultural practices in general, they do not encapsulate the primary motivation behind cargo cult rituals specifically. The main aim remains the quest for prosperity through divine favor, highlighting the interplay between spirituality and socioeconomic aspirations in these communities.