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rit·u·al [ ríchoo ?l ]
established formal behavior: an established and prescribed pattern of observance, e.g. in a religion
performance of formal acts: the observance of actions or procedures in a set, ordered, and ceremonial way
system of rites: the system of set procedures and actions of a group
A ritual "is a stereotyped sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and designed to influence preternatural entities or forces on behalf of the actors' goals and interests."[1] Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community. Rituals are characterized by formalism, traditionalism, invariance, rule-governance, sacral symbolism and performance.[2]
Rituals of various kinds are a feature of almost all known human societies, past or present. They include not only the various worshiprites and sacraments of organized religions and cults, but also the rites of passage of certain societies, atonement and purification rites,oaths of allegiance, dedication ceremonies, coronations and presidential inaugurations, marriages and funerals, school "rush" traditions and graduations, club meetings, sports events, Halloween parties, veterans parades, Christmas shopping and more. Many activities that are ostensibly performed for concrete purposes, such as jury trials, execution of criminals, and scientific symposia, are loaded with purely symbolic actions prescribed by regulations or tradition, and thus partly ritualistic in nature. Even common actions like hand-shaking and saying hello may be termed rituals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritual
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