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.
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.
tradition
'die Tradition' and 'das Ritual' both have to do with actions that are repeated and can have a special meaning. 'Tradition' emphasizes that something has existed for a long time and is often passed down from one generation to the next. 'Ritual' emphasizes the fixed form more: you perform certain steps in a similar way each time, for example at a celebration, in religion, or even in everyday life. Learners may confuse the words because many traditions also contain rituals. In practical terms: a tradition is often the larger, old pattern of custom; a ritual is the specific fixed action within it.
Vor jeder Prüfung hat Lisa das gleiche Ritual: Sie legt ihre Stifte ordentlich auf den Tisch.
Before every exam, Lisa has the same ritual: she lays her pens neatly on the table.
In unserer Familie ist es Tradition, am ersten Advent zusammen zu backen.
In our family, it is a tradition to bake together on the first Sunday of Advent.