A ceremony is an event, infused with ritual significance, performed on a special occasion.
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A ceremony may mark a rite of passage in a human career, marking the significance of (for example):
Sometimes, a ceremony may only be performed by a person with certain authority. For example, the opening of the United Kingdom Parliament is presided over by the Sovereign (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). The naming and launching of a warship 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. The President of the United States is customarily sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States, and the British sovereign is always crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Other, society-wide ceremonies may mark annual or seasonal or recurrent events like:
Other ceremonies underscore the importance of non-regular special occasions, such as:
In some Asian cultures, ceremonies also play an important role, for example the tea ceremony.
Ceremonies may have a physical display or theatrical component: dance, a procession, the laying on of hands. A declaratory verbal pronouncement may explain or cap the occasion, for instance:
Both physical and verbal components of a ceremony may become part of a liturgy.
A ceremony is an activity performed at a special time. Ceremonies may be done to celebrate an event or rite of passage.
A ceremony may mark a rite of passage in a person's job or life, showing how important it is. Examples:
Sometimes, a ceremony may only be done by certain people. A wedding is done by a priest or a Civil Celebrant. The President of the United States is sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States at his or her inauguration. The British monarch is usually made king or queen by the Archbishop of Canterbury at his or her coronation.
Other ceremonies may mark yearly events like:
In Asian cultures, ceremonies are also important, for example the tea ceremony.
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