ritual
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ritual
A fixed sequence of actions, often with symbolic meaning, performed in a specific context, especially a religious or ceremonial one.
Die Teezeremonie ist in Japan ein hoch entwickeltes Ritual.
The tea ceremony is a highly developed ritual in Japan.
ritual
A fixed, regularly repeated everyday habit that has a special, almost ceremonial character for the person performing it.
Sein morgendlicher Kaffee auf dem Balkon ist ihm ein heiliges Ritual.
His morning coffee on the balcony is a sacred ritual for him.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about religion, culture, or a formal ceremony, the first meaning is intended. If it is about a personal, recurring action, it is the second meaning.
Die Krönung des Königs folgte einem jahrhundertealten Ritual.
The coronation of the king followed a centuries-old ritual.
In formal contexts, 'Ritual' (ritual) is often combined with adjectives like 'religiös' (religious), 'traditionell' (traditional), or 'feierlich' (ceremonial). Typical verbs are 'ein Ritual vollziehen' (to perform a ritual) or 'einem Ritual folgen' (to follow a ritual).
Der Priester vollzog das traditionelle Ritual.
The priest performed the traditional ritual.
When a personal habit is meant, 'Ritual' (ritual) often appears with a possessive pronoun or adjectives like 'täglich' (daily), 'morgendlich' (morning), or 'klein' (small). It describes an action that has special meaning for the person.
Ihr morgendliches Ritual, eine Tasse Tee am Fenster zu trinken, half ihr, den Tag zu beginnen.
Her morning ritual of drinking a cup of tea by the window helped her start the day.
custom
Brauch and Ritual can both refer to an action performed regularly at a celebration. Brauch emphasizes that the action has been handed down within a community; Ritual places more emphasis on the fixed, often symbolic sequence. Use Brauch for the tradition and Ritual for the ceremonial procedure.
Beim Hochzeitsfest folgt auf das Lied ein festgelegtes Ritual mit mehreren symbolischen Handlungen.
At the wedding celebration, a fixed ritual with several symbolic actions follows the song.
Es ist in unserem Dorf Brauch, beim Hochzeitsfest gemeinsam ein Lied zu singen.
In our village, it is customary to sing a song together at the wedding celebration.
