What are some religious rites of passages?

Answer 1

When a Buddhist boy becomes mature enough, they become ordained. When they become mature enough is their decision, although most Buddhist's are about twenty when they go through this process. This process consists of two parts, but before they go through a couple stages to prepare for it.

Preparing consists of many things that the ordained has to do. They have to shave their head and dress in white. This symbolizes the liminality of this life passage ritual, a transition from householder to monk, a neutering of one's previous identity prior to beginning a new life with a new monastic name.

The ceremony itself starts out with the calling of the spirits. During this part of the ceremony the leader performs a ritual where he "calls" the 32 spirits away from all previous attachment. The leader also attracts the Khwan (body and soul). This is done by the leader preparing a special offering bowl, where elaborate symbols are placed inside. At the end of the ritual a sacred thread is tied around the wrists of the ordained. This represents the tying of the Khwan into this body after they have been "called". At the end of the ceremony is where the ordained becomes aware of his rights.

Answer 2

* Birth:

In some parts of India, the baby is purified by being washed. Ten to twelve days after the birth, the priest announces the baby's name and prayers are said. * Upanayana - the Sacred Thread ceremony:

Traditionally, this took place when a boy left home to live with his guru, while today it happens when a boy reaches puberty. His head is shaved and he is presented to the household gods. The boy and his father make an offering and he is given the sacred thread. * Marriage:

The bride wears a red sari and has patterns hennaed on her hands and feet. The groom comes to the wedding on a horse. The ceremony is lead by a brahmin (priest) and is a very colourful event.

Answer 3

Buddhism does not aim to explain God, creation or eternal concepts. Such truths can only be found within the heart of a person. Whatever one holds within the heart is what is. What Buddhism does aim to do is help us overcome the chaos of this world and point us to a path that leads us to our own spirituality. We are all searching for the same things- freedom from our pain and realizing who we truly are, deep within. The Buddha Siddharthe Guatama, in his contemplation, realized the truth about suffering and the path to liberation from it. This Eight-Fold Path and Four Noble Truths make up the foundation of Buddhism.

Answer 4

In Sikhism you have the Amrit Ceremony, in Christianity you have baptism and in Judaisim you have a Bar Mitzvah. Hope this help! :)