... of 13, read from the Torah, the primary scripture of Judaism. Christian youths participate in First Communion, in which they take part in the Eucharist (a ceremony involving blessed bread and wine, which represent the body and blood of Christ) for the first time. Weddings and funerals are two other ceremonies of passage laden with sacred meaning. For example, in tribal societies ... ...

• Word Count: 1578
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... on the model of older European black masses. The rite is officiated by a celebrant, a deacon, and a sub deacon. The instruments used include some candles, an inverted pentacle, a chalice full of wine or of liquor, a bell, a sword, an aspergillum or phallus, and an inverted crucifix. An authentically consecrated Host is also used. The altar of the black mass is a nude woman, and ... ...

• Word Count: 1872
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate