I wonder what rituals are?

Every person's life goes according to some established order. But few people think that some moments have entered into it unconsciously. Strictly speaking, what are rites and what are they like?

About the concept

Probably, all people know that there are magical and religious rites that must be performed by special people with the help of specific rituals, prayers or spells. The very same action is a reflection of the history of an individual people, their beliefs, skills and knowledge. Understanding what rituals are, it is worth noting that these are certain actions that our ancestors did at the appointed time of the day or year. In ancient times, and now, however, with the help of such simple actions, people turned to the gods, to the forces of nature, to everything higher that could help in life (according to beliefs). The sacraments themselves at all times were divided into agricultural, which were designed to provide a good harvest, and family-household, which kept all members of the family. It is worth noting that the ancient rites were always held in special or best clothes, the person was washed clean and completely put himself in order. Also important were special idols - deities, who were worshiped and who brought various gifts. Today, everything has changed a little, but we still pray to icons, and on the neck we carry a cross. The essence remained, but only a few transformed.

About the past

Understanding what rituals are, it is worthwhile to consider certain of them. So, it was important for ancestors to appease the forces of nature in order to get a good harvest in the future. That is why pancakes and loaves of round shape are baked in the form of a solar disk, thus this heavenly body is revered. The fire was considered purifying, therefore through it jumped, clearing a soul and a body, in it threw slices of food in a gratitude. Particular are certain words, combined in verses. Particles of ceremonial actions are modern carols and songs for dances.

Maslenitsa

Knowing what rituals are, it is worth considering those who have firmly entered our modern life. So, the most common mystical action is inherently a holiday like Shrove Tuesday. And if this day today more often just keeps its name, then earlier this date was accompanied by wide walks and special actions. The whole thing is connected with the lunar calendar. At this time, the forces of spring struggle with the winter for the right to live, the day grows longer, the sun more and more. It was very important to bake a lot of delicacies, the main among them - round pancakes - symbols of the sun. Also the fun on this day meant that soon winter would go away and give way to a warm spring.

Wedding and birth

There are folk customs associated with the wedding action. So, the bride puts on a white dress that promises her a happy family life, a veil as a sign of her own chastity. The exchange of rings symbolizes the continuity of family bonds and the endlessness of such a feeling as love. As for the birth, there is still a belief that if the son is like a mother, and the daughter is a father, these children will be happy. Also, before baptism and today mothers try not to show anyone their crumbs, so that they will not be jinxed. And probably everyone knows that the first time you need to go to a child with food. All these are pieces of old rituals and rituals, which have become firmly established in modern life.