What are rituals and what are they for? – Blog

Ritual is a very broad word, but to start understanding what rituals are in general, let’s go to the Aurélio dictionary:

“Rite- 1. The rules and ceremonies proper to the practice of a religion. 2. Worship; religion. 3. Any sacred or symbolic ceremony.
Ritual- 1. Relating to rite(s), or having the regular or sacred character thereof(s). 2. Worship. 3. Liturgy. 4. Ceremonial, etiquette.”

In short, rituals are gestures, words, formalities, thoughts and actions that are linked to some belief, religion or popular custom. They obey some rules and it is important to understand the purpose of each one well, as well as to perform the ritual with conscience, paying attention to the technique and tools necessary for it to fulfill its role.

Rituals serve to connect us with the sacred, with what really matters and with the true meaning of things. They also help us to overcome life changes such as births, deaths and growth. Each culture or people has its own rites, with meanings that make sense for their beliefs and customs. But in the end, everyone wants the same thing, to get in touch with what is inexplicable, to give meaning to life.

Known mystical and religious rituals

Wedding – What are rituals?

Regardless of your religion, getting married implies a sudden change in your life and there are several rituals that celebrate this passage. Within weddings there are also small rites, such as the day of the bride, the exchange of rings, etc…

Circumcision – What are rituals?

In Judaism, as soon as the boy is born he goes through a process in which the foreskin of his penis is removed, as a way of inclusion in the community.

Baptism – What are rituals?

In Catholicism, the baby undergoes baptism, where he is initiated into his faith.

Consecration to Nature Gods and Goddesses – What are Rituals?

Pagan religions often have many outdoor rituals in honor of the Earth goddess, for example, or the Moon.

Sympathies – What are rituals?

When you light a candle, say a prayer or a spell, you are performing a ritual, because it is at this moment that you come into contact with the sacred and for it to work, you need to pay attention to the material and the step by step.

Rituals in everyday life

We can also think of rituals as something we do on a daily basis in the same way, or some solemn celebration. The cool thing about turning small, everyday habits into rituals is that we are forced to pay attention to what we do, living the present in a full and balanced way.

• Some examples are:
• sports ceremonies
• presidential possessions
• Meditation, especially those who need to prepare for the activity, how to calm down, tidy the place, etc…
• Relaxing bath, if you take time preparing the bath, choosing the soap, lighting a candle, you already have an important daily ritual to keep calm and recharge your energies.
• Dinner, a family or friends who get together often to eat are doing one of the oldest rituals in the world. The sharing of food and stories.

Now that you know more about rituals, try putting a little bit of the sacred in your routine and see how it will get more special!

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