Rites of passageBirth rites

Religious people often have ceremonies to mark changes in their life. Hindu rites of passage cover a person’s birth to their death through various traditions and customs.

Part ofReligious StudiesBeliefs, teachings & practices - Unit 1

Birth rites

Hindu baby naming ceremony in a Calcutta home
Image caption,
Hindu baby naming ceremony in a Calcutta home

In some Hindu families, just after the birth of a child, the sacred syllable is written on the baby's tongue with honey. The name of God in a form the family holds dear, eg , may be whispered into the child’s ear.

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