From self-flagellation to fire-walking, explore some of the world’s most intense and painful religious rituals. Discover the cultural and spiritual significance behind these extreme practices, where ...

There are many religious initiation rituals. As a Christian, for example, you are baptised, as this is how you are accepted into the circle of Christianity. In many societies, circumcision, tattooing, ...

Dear PAO,I recently came across a video shot in the Philippines where an animal was killed as part of a religious ritual. According to the video, it was a religious rite meant to bring good health and ...

Why are rituals so important to religion? This short animated film explores the fundamental role that religious ritual plays in bringing people together, marking important transitions in life and ...

Fish were not only a source of sustenance but also had a role in ritual magic and folk religion in the ancient Near East. Fish symbols represented life, renewal, and abundance. Fishermen, as primary ...

Coconut, revered as "Shri Phal" in Hindu rituals, symbolizes prosperity and devotion. Breaking it signifies ego surrender to ...

Mindless Ritual Even the most devoted religious participants will usually concede that their frequent performances of rituals can from time to time devolve into automatic behavior. Their scripted ...

A review by Keith Makin has found Church of England failure to report to the police the abuse carried out by John Smyth ...

Science-backed research shows that these calming work rituals can reduce stress and anxiety, boost job meaning and performance and bring teams together.

Special concoction also contained honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes to make it look like blood.

Tulasi Mata ki Aarti, a sacred ritual in Hinduism, honors the holy basil plant as a goddess. Performed during Tulasi Vivah, Kartik month, and daily, the aarti involves devotional songs and ...