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| Coming of Age | In Theravada tradition (Southeast Asia), boys and some girls between the age of 8 and 12 years, are initiated into adulthood to become a novice monk or nun. To begin with they are dressed as princes and princesses like Prince Gautama. They take the Three Jewels, then have their heads shaved and change into the saffron robes. They may then stay with the monks from one night to a few years . |
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The state of mind of the person at death is an important influence on the state of rebirth. Friends and family will say special prayers to help them travel to their next life. Cremations are usually held three days later. |
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| Birth | Baptism - A blessing by the priest. The congregation promise to help support and provide for the child's Christian upbringing. |
| Entry to the church | Holy Communion : Confirmation - Depending on the denomination, this usually happens about 12 years of age after they have done religious instruction. It is the first time they receive communion. |
| Marriage | Traditionally, he husband and wife to be exchange vows in a church in front of a priest. Priests will also marry a couple in places other than a church, as God is believed to be every where. |
| Death | Following the funeral service, Christians will choose to be either buried in a cemetery or cremated and later bury or scatter the ashes. |
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| Initiation | . |
| Marriage | . |
| Cremation | The funeral pyre is lit by by either the eldest or youngest son |
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| Circumcision | . |
| Marriage | . |
| Death | The body is washed and wrapped in a winding cloth, 3 layers for a man and 5 for a woman. Cremation is forbidden. The head is always positioned facing Mecca. |
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| Circumcision | Boys, when eight days old are circumcised to symbolize |
| Coming of Age | Bar Mitzvah - Jewish boys aged 13. The child
will read from the Torah during the ceremony.
(Similar now for girls called a Bat Mitzvah) |
| Marriage | Traditionally, the marriage takes place under a huppa, a canopy that symbolizes the joining of the bride and groom as one. |
| Death | Burial takes place as soon as possible after death, usually the next day. Cremation is also allowed. Chief mourners may cut their clothes. The family then enters a seven day mourning period. |
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| Coming of Age | Khalsa ("pure") - Members willing to arm
themselves and serve the Panth military if necessary.
Vow not to cut hair, smoke, drink alcohol, keep the five K's Kesh - hair; Kara - steel bracelet a reminder to do good deeds for God; Kirpan - small sword with which to stand up for what is right; Kacchera - shorts worn under clothes to show goodness and action; Kanga - a small wooden comb carried as a sign of cleanliness Men adopt the name of Singh (lion) and women the name Kaur (Princess) instead of their caste name |