Ritual - Rite - Ceremony: Spiritual, Religious &
Sacred Rituals, Rites & Ceremonies
Sacred Rituals, Rites & Ceremonies
We achieve the deep sense of connection, continuity and familiarity through such ceremonies as: Weddings/Marriage, Divorce, Renewal of
vows, Baptism & Confirmation, Commitment, Rites of Passage (e.g. Transition into Adolescence), Graduation Exercises, Exorcism, Holy Orders,
Funerals, Oriental tea Ceremonies, or such other ceremonial events as the ritual of saying goodbye – and many others.
Routine is a detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed: for example, my household chores have become a morning ritual, or
a ritual glass of milk before bed.
We all have behaviours and habits in our lives. Each person has his/her routines (like brushing our teeth after meals, or upon getting up in
the morning. From the moment we are born we are exploring how we can do things so we can feel some sense of satisfaction. The satisfaction
comes from doing something fast, precise, and correct.
You try out different ways and if you want things to be done as smoothly and efficiently as possible you have to decide which way works best
for you and you will start to adopt certain routines. These routines have the purpose to structure your life and have you waste as little time
as possible having to figure out how best to do something time and time again.
In religious, spiritual settings there are routines and habits as well. Collectively, we call them "ritual": the prescribed form of conducting a
worship ceremony such as the Mass. For example: the ritual of the mass. But beware - sometimes "liturgy" refers to the book of rites (order
of worship) that are used - it is a flexible word.
There are, for example, the familiar "routines" of worship: the same building, the same seats, the same décor, the same procedure and the
same worship day, and a sense of ceremony - something "special".
RITE Summary:
Speech, action, singing, and other activities which often contain a symbolic meaning, performed in a specific order - typically during a
religious service. Rite is often considered a synonym to ritual and ceremony.
A RITUAL, in the context here, is a formalised, predetermined set of symbolic actions generally performed in a particular environment at a
regular, recurring interval: it is a ceremony. The set of actions that comprise a ritual often include, but are not limited to, such things as
recitation, singing, group processions, repetitive dance, manipulation of sacred objects, etc. Virtually everyone engaged in a spiritual or
religious activity follows some sort of familiar, comfortable pattern: that pattern is a ritual - and the format of that ritual is called a
"rite".
vows, Baptism & Confirmation, Commitment, Rites of Passage (e.g. Transition into Adolescence), Graduation Exercises, Exorcism, Holy Orders,
Funerals, Oriental tea Ceremonies, or such other ceremonial events as the ritual of saying goodbye – and many others.
Routine is a detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed: for example, my household chores have become a morning ritual, or
a ritual glass of milk before bed.
We all have behaviours and habits in our lives. Each person has his/her routines (like brushing our teeth after meals, or upon getting up in
the morning. From the moment we are born we are exploring how we can do things so we can feel some sense of satisfaction. The satisfaction
comes from doing something fast, precise, and correct.
You try out different ways and if you want things to be done as smoothly and efficiently as possible you have to decide which way works best
for you and you will start to adopt certain routines. These routines have the purpose to structure your life and have you waste as little time
as possible having to figure out how best to do something time and time again.
In religious, spiritual settings there are routines and habits as well. Collectively, we call them "ritual": the prescribed form of conducting a
worship ceremony such as the Mass. For example: the ritual of the mass. But beware - sometimes "liturgy" refers to the book of rites (order
of worship) that are used - it is a flexible word.
There are, for example, the familiar "routines" of worship: the same building, the same seats, the same décor, the same procedure and the
same worship day, and a sense of ceremony - something "special".
RITE Summary:
Speech, action, singing, and other activities which often contain a symbolic meaning, performed in a specific order - typically during a
religious service. Rite is often considered a synonym to ritual and ceremony.
A RITUAL, in the context here, is a formalised, predetermined set of symbolic actions generally performed in a particular environment at a
regular, recurring interval: it is a ceremony. The set of actions that comprise a ritual often include, but are not limited to, such things as
recitation, singing, group processions, repetitive dance, manipulation of sacred objects, etc. Virtually everyone engaged in a spiritual or
religious activity follows some sort of familiar, comfortable pattern: that pattern is a ritual - and the format of that ritual is called a
"rite".
Fr. Klaas Tuinman MA
At Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene
Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada -
Oct 2007
At Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene
Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada -
Oct 2007
We need a deeper and more personal sense of connection - the kind that so far human beings have only found through
ritual and ceremony.
Ritual is essential because it is truly the pattern that connects.
It provides communication at all levels - communication among all the systems within the individual human organism;
between people within groups; between one group and another in a city and throughout all these levels between the
human and the non-human in the natural environment.
~Dolores LaChapelle
ritual and ceremony.
Ritual is essential because it is truly the pattern that connects.
It provides communication at all levels - communication among all the systems within the individual human organism;
between people within groups; between one group and another in a city and throughout all these levels between the
human and the non-human in the natural environment.
~Dolores LaChapelle
A ritual is an activity that is repeated over and over in the same way - “the way it is done”, is called a "rite" – where every
one, everywhere, does the same sort of thing regularly in the same way.
However, rites evolve among peoples, groups or organizations, and thus each may go about a specific procedure in slightly, or
vastly, different ways. In that way ritual varies within the different rites.
Ritual and rite basically mean, “routine”, and thus is related to routine and habit (it is often a synonym): a routine or ritual is
a prescribed, detailed course of action to be followed regularly; a standard procedure.
It is a way of “going about things in a set of customary and often mechanically (automatically like a reflex) performed
procedures or activities”.
one, everywhere, does the same sort of thing regularly in the same way.
However, rites evolve among peoples, groups or organizations, and thus each may go about a specific procedure in slightly, or
vastly, different ways. In that way ritual varies within the different rites.
Ritual and rite basically mean, “routine”, and thus is related to routine and habit (it is often a synonym): a routine or ritual is
a prescribed, detailed course of action to be followed regularly; a standard procedure.
It is a way of “going about things in a set of customary and often mechanically (automatically like a reflex) performed
procedures or activities”.
Every religion in the world has "rituals" - even though they don't always call them that. In some cases,
the word "format" is used. In other cases "order of service" may be the preferred word. Yet they all
refer to the same thing. This is true, and has been true, ever since people inhabited the earth: from
"primitive" people, right to the most "civilized", contemporary sophisticated member of the developed
world who engages in religious activities, uses, or follows a ritual/rite, regardless what particular
name they give it.
Ritual in the worship service is no "mumbo-jumbo". The ritual of the Mass in the Catholic Church is
there to ensure there are no surprises, no unforeseen contingencies: no upsets. It too, provides
predictability, yet leaves room for variation and spontaneity depending on the occasion and on
circumstances (such as different church/liturgical seasons).
It, too, just as at home, provides comfort and safety. And just like at home, this is important. In the
Mass it is important in a different way: in order to "open" to the sacred (holy), it is necessary to feel
comfortable, calm and safe. The ritual provides that. Remember, catholic means "universal" - and means
a familiar procedure no matter where you are (also see "Liturgy").
The ritual of the liturgy is ceremonial because the actions are ceremonial - a celebration - something
special: a detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed: the Liturgy of the Word and
the Liturgy of the Table/Eucharist ("Sacraments").
Ritual is also a "teaching tool" - each action has significance, or is a symbol of things.
the word "format" is used. In other cases "order of service" may be the preferred word. Yet they all
refer to the same thing. This is true, and has been true, ever since people inhabited the earth: from
"primitive" people, right to the most "civilized", contemporary sophisticated member of the developed
world who engages in religious activities, uses, or follows a ritual/rite, regardless what particular
name they give it.
Ritual in the worship service is no "mumbo-jumbo". The ritual of the Mass in the Catholic Church is
there to ensure there are no surprises, no unforeseen contingencies: no upsets. It too, provides
predictability, yet leaves room for variation and spontaneity depending on the occasion and on
circumstances (such as different church/liturgical seasons).
It, too, just as at home, provides comfort and safety. And just like at home, this is important. In the
Mass it is important in a different way: in order to "open" to the sacred (holy), it is necessary to feel
comfortable, calm and safe. The ritual provides that. Remember, catholic means "universal" - and means
a familiar procedure no matter where you are (also see "Liturgy").
The ritual of the liturgy is ceremonial because the actions are ceremonial - a celebration - something
special: a detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed: the Liturgy of the Word and
the Liturgy of the Table/Eucharist ("Sacraments").
Ritual is also a "teaching tool" - each action has significance, or is a symbol of things.
Ritual and routine are something we are very familiar with in our daily lives. In fact, we are so familiar with them that we
often no longer notice our routines or rituals (for example, brushing teeth after every meal – automatically, like a reflex
action).
Routine is comfortable - it is a standard procedure. We like knowing what we're going to do, when we're going to do it, and
what we'll be wearing while we do it, etc. It's nice, safe and predictable. There are no surprises, no unforeseen contingencies:
no upsets. It provides predictability, yet leaves room for variation and spontaneity depending on circumstances.
Ritual and ceremony produce, access, and contain intense emotions – of connection: and a sense of connection and continuity
is deeply important to the human psyche, or soul.
often no longer notice our routines or rituals (for example, brushing teeth after every meal – automatically, like a reflex
action).
Routine is comfortable - it is a standard procedure. We like knowing what we're going to do, when we're going to do it, and
what we'll be wearing while we do it, etc. It's nice, safe and predictable. There are no surprises, no unforeseen contingencies:
no upsets. It provides predictability, yet leaves room for variation and spontaneity depending on circumstances.
Ritual and ceremony produce, access, and contain intense emotions – of connection: and a sense of connection and continuity
is deeply important to the human psyche, or soul.
For example, the entrance procession is not just something we do - it is something we do which has a meaning beyond just marching in.
Each person in that procession represents something, something connected to the worship we are about to begin, something that refers to
meanings found within the scriptures, customs and history of our particular way to exercise our faith worship.
In that procession are the following people: Crucifer, taperers (candle-bearers), gospeller, assistants, priest, and bishop (if present): all
suitably dressed in the colours of the particular liturgical church season.
Each person in that procession represents something, something connected to the worship we are about to begin, something that refers to
meanings found within the scriptures, customs and history of our particular way to exercise our faith worship.
In that procession are the following people: Crucifer, taperers (candle-bearers), gospeller, assistants, priest, and bishop (if present): all
suitably dressed in the colours of the particular liturgical church season.
Rites, Rituals and Ceremonies
of the Catholic Church
of the Catholic Church
Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene
Connection
- The crucifer leads the procession, bearing the cross which represents Jesus Christ.
- The taperers (candle-bearers) represent Jesus Christ as "Light coming into the world".
- The gospeller carries the Bible (gospel) which represents the church as the institution that spreads
the Gospel. - The assistants are those who assist the priest.
- The priest is the ordained representative of the church; the pastor and leader of the congregation
who is in charge; - the bishop is not only the administrative officer of a diocese, but also the "navigator" - the one who
leads the over-all spiritual life and teaching and celebration for the larger spiritual community he or
she is in charge of.
- The procession, therefore, is a capsule containing a teaching element. But it also is a regular re-
enactment or recreation of what it is all about. It is a "mini ritual" within the larger ritual of the
overall mass.
- Even the "vestments" (clothing) that each wears – as well as the decorations on the altar - has
significance, as do candles, bells and incense.
More about Rites.
In our "inclusive liturgy" we do not insist on any specific interpretation of the various components of the liturgy: each person will make their
own, based on their familiar traditions and beliefs. For example, the candle-bearers can as easily be seen as "light" coming into the world -
enlightenment. And the gospeller can be interpreted as the bearer of "knowledge" - dispelling ignorance. The same sort of thing can apply to all
other elements and components of the liturgy.
In a spiritual setting such as a church or chapel, a rite is an ordered act of worship; or set order of prayers for worship. In Christian
churches, there are, for example, the following rites: the Rite of Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist); the Rite of Holy Crowning;
the Rite of Ordination; the Rite of Kneeling on Pentecost (see "Sacraments")
A rite is a customary and solemn ritual or ceremony, as in, “the rite of baptism is taken very seriously in many faiths”. Thus, a rite is "an
order of service". The word "rite", is most commonly used in catholic churches.
A Rite represents an ecclesiastical, or church, tradition about how the sacraments are to be celebrated: how the ceremonies are performed.
Each of the sacraments has at its core an essential nature which must be satisfied for the sacrament to be confected or realized. This
essence - of matter, form and intention - derives from the divinely revealed nature of the particular sacrament. According to some churches,
the Roman Catholic Church in particular, it cannot be changed by the Church. Scripture and Sacred Tradition, tells us what is essential in each
of the sacraments (2 Thes. 2:15).
The existence of different Rites & Rituals in the Church reveals the richness and variety of forms in which the christian message can
manifest itself.
In our "inclusive liturgy" we do not insist on any specific interpretation of the various components of the liturgy: each person will make their
own, based on their familiar traditions and beliefs. For example, the candle-bearers can as easily be seen as "light" coming into the world -
enlightenment. And the gospeller can be interpreted as the bearer of "knowledge" - dispelling ignorance. The same sort of thing can apply to all
other elements and components of the liturgy.
In a spiritual setting such as a church or chapel, a rite is an ordered act of worship; or set order of prayers for worship. In Christian
churches, there are, for example, the following rites: the Rite of Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist); the Rite of Holy Crowning;
the Rite of Ordination; the Rite of Kneeling on Pentecost (see "Sacraments")
A rite is a customary and solemn ritual or ceremony, as in, “the rite of baptism is taken very seriously in many faiths”. Thus, a rite is "an
order of service". The word "rite", is most commonly used in catholic churches.
A Rite represents an ecclesiastical, or church, tradition about how the sacraments are to be celebrated: how the ceremonies are performed.
Each of the sacraments has at its core an essential nature which must be satisfied for the sacrament to be confected or realized. This
essence - of matter, form and intention - derives from the divinely revealed nature of the particular sacrament. According to some churches,
the Roman Catholic Church in particular, it cannot be changed by the Church. Scripture and Sacred Tradition, tells us what is essential in each
of the sacraments (2 Thes. 2:15).
The existence of different Rites & Rituals in the Church reveals the richness and variety of forms in which the christian message can
manifest itself.
The Various rites: (this is not an exhaustive list).
Sarum Rite (More accurately SARUM USE) Also called "Salisbury Rite". The Sarum Rite was the liturgical form used in most of the English
(Anglican) Church prior to the introduction of the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. Anglicans now use he Book of Alternative Prayer in
many parishes.
Eastern Rite (Orthodox)
Eastern Rite Catholics is to attend a Divine Liturgy (which the Romans call 'The Mass') in one of their churches.
In speaking of the "Eastern Rite", one must realize that we are no longer dealing with a single "Eastern Rite" in this country. There are
differences between Greek Byzantine and Slav Byzantine, and within each group.
Western Rite - also called Roman Rite & Latin Rite
After 1054, the Western Rite became identified primarily with Roman Catholic, Anglican-Episcopalian, and some other Western Christian
Churches.
Syrian Rite: It was the conversion of Edessa, in non-Hellenised Syria, that began the history of the of Syrian Rite Their Mass is
celebrated in the Aramean dialect of Edessa, oe Syriac, the language spoken by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Maronite Rite: The Maronites are the descendants of the Aramaean Christians of ancient Syria. Their Mass is celebrated in the Aramean
dialect of Edessa, or Syriac, the language spoken by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Malabar Rite: This is a Eucharistic liturgy of the monks of Kurisumala Ashram, a monastery located near the town of Vagamon, in the
Malabar region of southern India. While the monks are Trappists (Cistertian Order of the Strict Observance).
Celtic Rite:
"Celtic Rite" is generally, but rather indefinitely, applied to the various rites in use in Great Britain, Ireland, perhaps in Brittany, and
sporadically in Northern Spain, and in the monasteries which resulted from the Irish missions of St. Columbanus in France, Germany,
Switzerland, and Italy, at a time when rites other than the then existing rite of Rome were used, wholly or partially, in those places. The
term must not be taken to imply any necessary homogeneity, for the evidence such as it is, is in favour of considerable diversity. This
evidence is very scanty and fragmentary.
The Celtic Rite is actually one of the most "Eastern" of those in the West. The Celts had strong ties with Coptic Egypt and its tradition of
the Thebaid through the Ukrainian Saint, John Cassian. There are still mentioned in Celtic liturgical sources a veneration for "Seven Coptic
Monks" buried in Ireland.
The Irish Rite has many connections to the Egyptian liturgy. For example, following the Rule of St Pachomios, the Irish Celtic Office has
groups of 12 Psalms. So, depending on the Feast, the Morning Office will have 12, 24, 36, 60 or 72 Psalms. In many cases, the entire Psalter
is read in a single day.
Prostrations to the ground, familiar in the East, were also practiced by the Celts. It was the Celts who invented the tradition of saying 150
Our Fathers and Hail Mary's for the Psalms. They devised strands of beads and knotted cords as prayer counters, the Celtic Rosary.
Gallican Rite: The Western liturgies are the Roman and the Gallican. The only Gallican liturgy still in use is the Ambrosian Rite of Milan,
although the Mozarabic (Spanish), the Celtic, and the Franco - German Gallican were widely used until the 8th century
For more detail, or information, click on the link below (Vatican Info. site)
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/catholic_rites_and_churches.htm
Sarum Rite (More accurately SARUM USE) Also called "Salisbury Rite". The Sarum Rite was the liturgical form used in most of the English
(Anglican) Church prior to the introduction of the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. Anglicans now use he Book of Alternative Prayer in
many parishes.
Eastern Rite (Orthodox)
Eastern Rite Catholics is to attend a Divine Liturgy (which the Romans call 'The Mass') in one of their churches.
In speaking of the "Eastern Rite", one must realize that we are no longer dealing with a single "Eastern Rite" in this country. There are
differences between Greek Byzantine and Slav Byzantine, and within each group.
Western Rite - also called Roman Rite & Latin Rite
After 1054, the Western Rite became identified primarily with Roman Catholic, Anglican-Episcopalian, and some other Western Christian
Churches.
Syrian Rite: It was the conversion of Edessa, in non-Hellenised Syria, that began the history of the of Syrian Rite Their Mass is
celebrated in the Aramean dialect of Edessa, oe Syriac, the language spoken by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Maronite Rite: The Maronites are the descendants of the Aramaean Christians of ancient Syria. Their Mass is celebrated in the Aramean
dialect of Edessa, or Syriac, the language spoken by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Malabar Rite: This is a Eucharistic liturgy of the monks of Kurisumala Ashram, a monastery located near the town of Vagamon, in the
Malabar region of southern India. While the monks are Trappists (Cistertian Order of the Strict Observance).
- The Syro-Malalabar rite belongs to the liturgical family of Syro-Oriental type. This is the only liturgical group of the first
centuries which remained outside the Roman Empire. The Apostolic activities of St. Thomas took him to the far off Malabar coast in
India. We do not have any evidence of the manner in which St. Thomas celebrated the Eucharist in Kerala. But we may take it for
granted that he certainly accepted many elements from the local culture into the acts of worship as was the usual apostolic practice. - The organised liturgy of the Malabar Church in the first centuries of christianity was that of Mesopotamia, doubtless with some
peculiarities of their own (1). This was due to the connection that existed between the Malabar Church and the Churches of Edessa,
Babylon and Persia. Unfortunately we do not possess much evidence of the state of the liturgy of Malabar before the coming of the
Portuguese. - Many ancient books were destroyed after the Synod of Goa (1585) and Diarnper(1599) because they were wrongly suspect of
Nestorianism by the Portuguese missionaries. Being a rite that belonged to Syro-Oriental family, it was quite possible that there
were some elements in that liturgy in common with the Nestorian Church ; but this by no means meant that the Malabar Church was
Nestorian. This is the liturgical format used by the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch.
Celtic Rite:
"Celtic Rite" is generally, but rather indefinitely, applied to the various rites in use in Great Britain, Ireland, perhaps in Brittany, and
sporadically in Northern Spain, and in the monasteries which resulted from the Irish missions of St. Columbanus in France, Germany,
Switzerland, and Italy, at a time when rites other than the then existing rite of Rome were used, wholly or partially, in those places. The
term must not be taken to imply any necessary homogeneity, for the evidence such as it is, is in favour of considerable diversity. This
evidence is very scanty and fragmentary.
The Celtic Rite is actually one of the most "Eastern" of those in the West. The Celts had strong ties with Coptic Egypt and its tradition of
the Thebaid through the Ukrainian Saint, John Cassian. There are still mentioned in Celtic liturgical sources a veneration for "Seven Coptic
Monks" buried in Ireland.
The Irish Rite has many connections to the Egyptian liturgy. For example, following the Rule of St Pachomios, the Irish Celtic Office has
groups of 12 Psalms. So, depending on the Feast, the Morning Office will have 12, 24, 36, 60 or 72 Psalms. In many cases, the entire Psalter
is read in a single day.
Prostrations to the ground, familiar in the East, were also practiced by the Celts. It was the Celts who invented the tradition of saying 150
Our Fathers and Hail Mary's for the Psalms. They devised strands of beads and knotted cords as prayer counters, the Celtic Rosary.
Gallican Rite: The Western liturgies are the Roman and the Gallican. The only Gallican liturgy still in use is the Ambrosian Rite of Milan,
although the Mozarabic (Spanish), the Celtic, and the Franco - German Gallican were widely used until the 8th century
For more detail, or information, click on the link below (Vatican Info. site)
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/catholic_rites_and_churches.htm
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