But rituals also exist in Western societies, such as those imposed on many young people entering the military or colleges in the US - which, if abusive, are known as "hazing" and have caused deaths.

Interestingly enough, it is not just humans; even animals and birds perform complex ‘rituals’ prior to mating or fighting. Rites (of passage, for example) are ceremonies performed often for ...

VATICAN CITY — The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his successor begins. They involve the certification of ...

At both services, I received gifts from the synagogue. These included a silver-plated cup for ritual wine, a certificate informing me that a tree was planted in my honor somewhere in Israel, and a ...

This part of the bat mitzvah is often as elaborate as a wedding, complete with music, dancing, food, and meaningful rituals .