How is a ceremony different from a ritual?
Ceremonies are usually a combination of any number of ritual acts. They are events that engage larger numbers of people and require that participants alter their regular routine in order to attend. Those who attend the event bear witness to what has taken place and often make a pledge of support. Ceremonies may or may not have a religious or spiritual component but they always mark some change in circumstance. They help us connect with the members of our communities, circle of friends, and other family members. So, for example, two individuals emerge from a wedding ceremony as a married couple. The people attending the wedding witness their vows and the union of the couple and pledge to support them in their new life together.
