Ceremony facts for kids

A special ceremony at court during Prinsjesdag in the Netherlands.

A ceremony is a special event that follows a set plan. It usually includes different artistic parts like music or speeches. Ceremonies happen on important occasions to mark something significant.

The word "ceremony" might come from an old language called Etruscan, through the Latin word caerimonia.

Religious and Non-Religious Ceremonies

Ceremonies can be religious, like those held in a church, or non-religious (also called civil or secular). Both types of ceremonies often share similar ideas and values.

The main difference is that religious ceremonies often involve beliefs about a god or gods. For example, some religions believe that a special power is given during their ceremonies. Non-religious ceremonies focus on human values and community without involving supernatural beliefs.

Both religious and non-religious ceremonies help people feel connected and remember important moments. The style of music, words, and other parts can be different for each.

Old Traditions Still Used Today

Many parts of ceremonies we see today have been around for a very long time. Some traditions, like those in a wedding ceremony, come from ancient Roman and Greek times, even before Christianity.

For example, at a wedding, things like having a best man and bridesmaids, walking in a procession, signing a contract, exchanging rings, and cutting a wedding cake are all very old traditions.

Learning from Different Ceremonies

Some people believe that even if you don't follow a religion, you can still learn from the good things religion has inspired. This includes beautiful art, symbols, and the idea of a strong community.

In places like Australia, non-religious ceremonies have become very popular. This is partly because they also focus on bringing people together and celebrating important life events.

History of Non-Religious Ceremonies

Senator Lionel Murphy helped start the idea of civil celebrants in Australia.

A big step for non-religious ceremonies in Western countries happened in Australia in 1973. A statesman named Lionel Murphy had the idea to allow special people, called civil celebrants, to lead important ceremonies for those who didn't want a church service.

These celebrants were chosen carefully to make sure they could create meaningful and respectful ceremonies. This idea has since spread to countries like New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of the United States.

Why Ceremonies Are Important

Ceremonies help us understand and navigate life. They are like "roadmaps" that guide us towards a good and meaningful life.

They help us feel stable, know who we are, and understand our purpose. They also make us feel important. Lionel Murphy believed that good, personal ceremonies were key to a happy and stable society.

Here are some reasons why ceremonies are important:

• They can make people happier in a society.
• They help people deal with big changes in their lives.
• They show what a culture values and that it has important meaning.
• They are a great way to share and strengthen values.
• They use art, music, stories, and symbols to create a special experience.
• Well-done ceremonies create lasting memories and good feelings.
• The better a ceremony is, the better its positive effects on people and culture.

Parts of a Ceremony

For a ceremony to be powerful and effective, it needs to make an impact. This often happens when the ceremony uses visual arts (like decorations) and performing arts (like music or dance).

People who create ceremonies carefully choose things like poems, stories, personal experiences, music, songs, and symbols. They also think about how people will move and interact during the ceremony.

It's also important for ceremonies to happen in a beautiful place, whether inside or outside. Beauty helps to "lift the spirit" and makes the good memories last longer.

Ceremonies connect art with people. They help us make big decisions, feel safe, strengthen our relationships, and feel happy. As one expert, David Oldfield, said:

Ceremonies help people give themselves and others the important messages they need to stay human. They show acceptance, love, identity, respect, shared values, and memorable events. Every ceremony has special moments that take us out of our daily routines. These moments are unique and sacred. In a ceremony, we take part in something deep and meaningful. They are moments that touch our hearts and spirits.

Qualities of a Celebrant

Lionel Murphy knew that not just anyone could lead these important ceremonies. A civil celebrant needs many skills and a lot of knowledge. Murphy said that a good celebrant should understand ceremonies well. They should be professional, knowledgeable, creative, imaginative, inspiring, and well-prepared.

A civil celebrant should be someone who wants to make people's lives better in a deep and lasting way. That's why they need to be chosen carefully. Ideally, they should be educated in humanities and trained to create, write, and perform ceremonies expertly.

Types of Ceremonies

Gogo tribe ladies from Tanzania waiting to perform a traditional dance during a priest's ordination ceremony.

There are many different types of ceremonies that mark important moments in life:

• Marriage or a wedding is a very important ceremony in almost every culture.
• Almost as important is a funeral or burial ceremony. This helps people say goodbye to someone they loved.

A funeral ceremony is a public, traditional, and symbolic way to show our feelings about someone's death. It helps us accept that the person has died, celebrates their life, allows us to grieve, supports those who are sad, helps us connect with our beliefs about life and death, and gives hope for the future.

• Birth or a naming ceremony welcomes a new child into the world.

Naming ceremonies have been part of human culture for a very long time, even before major religions. Every community has a way to welcome a new child, give them recognition, and celebrate new life.

• Baptism or christening ceremonies.
• Initiation ceremonies, like college orientation week.
• Puberty ceremonies.
• Ceremonies for becoming a social adult, like a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
• Graduation ceremonies.
• Award ceremonies.
• Retirement ceremonies.
• Ceremonies related to death, like the Day of the Dead.
• Spiritual ceremonies, like communion.
• Grand opening ceremonies for new buildings or businesses.
• Ceremonies for aging.

Newly commissioned officers celebrate by throwing their hats in the air during a U.S. Naval Academy graduation ceremony.

Celebrating Events

Other ceremonies happen regularly or for special events in society:

• Marking the start of spring (vernal equinox) or winter (winter solstice).
• Weekly Sabbath day.
• The inauguration of a new leader.
• Special days in a religious calendar.
• Opening and closing ceremonies for big sports events, like the Olympic Games.

Some ceremonies are for non-regular special occasions:

• The coronation of a king or queen.
• Celebrating a victory in battle.

In some Asian cultures, ceremonies also play an important social role, like the tea ceremony.

How Ceremonies Happen

A state arrival ceremony in the United States.

Ceremonies can involve physical actions like dancing, a procession (people walking together), or laying on of hands. They often include spoken words that explain or complete the event, such as:

• "I now pronounce you husband and wife."
• "I swear to serve and defend the nation..."
• "I declare open the games of..."
• "I/We dedicate this... to..."

Both the actions and words in a ceremony can become part of a set order, known as a liturgy.

Images for kids

• 

  Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz salutes during a memorial service.

See also

In Spanish: Ceremonia para niños