noun / adjective
ritual
RICH-oo-ul/ˈrɪtʃuəl/
An established sequence of ceremonial acts.
The bride places the ring on the groom's finger during the wedding ritual.
Etymology
Originally describing something related to religious rites, ritual became a noun for the prescribed manner of worship. That emphasis on established procedure connects religious ceremony with customary actions performed in a set way.
In context
the next type of ritual that I want to talk about is creating some sort of sacred tree tasting ceremony for yourself
More examples
- These rituals mark the beginning of the harvest festival.
- Participants perform ritual washing before entering the temple.
- Their Sunday breakfast has become a cherished family ritual.
Forms
ritual · rituals
ritualize verb — To turn an activity into a ritual.
Similar words
- rite
- Often names one prescribed act within a larger ritual.
- ceremony
- Names the formal occasion, not just its prescribed acts.
- observance
- Emphasizes carrying out a religious duty or traditional custom.