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A ceremony is an activity, infused with Ritual significance, performed on a special occasion.


CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Traditionally, a ceremony may mark a Rite Of Passage in a personal human Career , marking the significance of (for example):

In certain circumstrances a ceremony may only be performed by a person with certain authorities. For example, the opening of Parliament is controlled by the Speaker of the House. Tha naming and launching of a war ship will be under the supervision of its Captain or a higher ranked naval officer. A wedding will be performed by a priest or a Civil Celebrant, as in Australia.


CELEBRATION OF EVENTS

Other, society-wide ceremonies may mark annual or seasonal or recurrent events like:

Yet other ceremonies underscore the importance of irregular special occasions, such as:

In Asian cultures, ceremonies also play an important role. In particular, the Tea Ceremony of several East Asia n cultures is very well known.


PROCESS

Often ceremonies have a physical display or , a Procession , the laying on of hands. But even greater importance usually attaches to a declaratory verbal pronouncement which may explain or cap the occasion, for instance:

  • I now pronounce you man and wife.

  • Happy New Year!

  • I swear to serve and defend the nation ...


Both physical and verbal components of a ceremony may become part of a Liturgy .


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