1. In Architecture and Design:
* Liminal space: This refers to an in-between space that is neither fully inside nor fully outside. Think of hallways, waiting rooms, doorways, elevators, or the area between a building and the street. These spaces often feel transitional, ambiguous, and can be psychologically unsettling.
2. In Anthropology and Sociology:
* Liminality: This refers to a state of being in-between, a stage of transition or transformation. It can be a period of uncertainty, where old norms are being shed and new ones are not yet established. Examples include:
* Rites of passage: The period of separation, transition, and incorporation into a new social role (e.g., puberty, marriage, death)
* Cultural change: A society's shift from one set of values to another.
3. In Art and Literature:
* Liminal spaces: These can be used to evoke feelings of disorientation, anxiety, and uncertainty. Artists often use these spaces to explore themes of identity, transition, and the subconscious.
* Liminal characters: These are often marginalized or excluded figures who occupy the edges of society and represent the in-between state.
4. In Psychology:
* Liminal states: These are often associated with altered states of consciousness, such as dreams, hallucinations, and near-death experiences.
In general, "liminal" refers to:
* Transition: A state of change or movement between one state and another.
* Ambiguity: A sense of uncertainty or confusion about what is happening or where one is.
* Unsettling: A feeling of being out of place or uncomfortable.
The term "liminal" has become popular in online culture, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. It often refers to images and videos that capture the feeling of being in-between, lost, or uncertain.
It's important to note that the term "liminal" can be subjective and open to interpretation.