Thamesview School

Religious Studies

Rites of Passage Part 2 Home Learning Booklet

Instructions Work through each section of the workbook and complete the tasks in written in blue. Make sure you read all of the information carefully.

Title: A Hindu Wedding LO: To explore what happens during a Hindu wedding ceremony.

The Hindu marriage ceremony is considered sacred, binding a man and woman together for life. Traditionally, the day before the marriage, the bride has her hands and feet decorated with beautiful designs made with henna. On the morning of the marriage, the bride and groom take baths and put on perfumed oils to symbolise being pure and ready to commit themselves to each other. In some Hindu communities the bride and groom fast until the wedding ceremony is complete.

Task 1 Read the information on the next page and then create a flow diagram to show what happens during a Hindu wedding ceremony.

Task 2 1. Hindus make seven promises during the wedding ceremony. Think of two more promises that someone might make at their wedding.

2. Place the promises in order of importance on the grid.

3. Explain why you have chosen the most important and least important promises.

Task 3 Imagine that you have been a guest at a Hindu wedding.

Write a letter describing a Hindu wedding ceremony and explaining the reasons for the practices.

Don’t forget to include the key words, information you have learnt today and any other information that you think may be relevant.

Hindu Marriage Ceremony

Most Hindu marriages are arranged by parents who select partners best suited for their children. They take into consideration personal qualities, education and social status of a possible partner. However, the marriage is agreed by the son or daughter. Parents expect love will grow and blossom throughout a lifetime.

Before the Wedding Prior to the wedding being arranged, the Hindu priest will consult each of the couple’s horoscope charts to ensure maximum compatibility. If the couple are suited they will have a ceremony called a misri where they and the blessings of Lord Ganesh are prayed for. Seven married women make a Ganesh symbol (clockwise swastika) on a pot of misri (crystallised sugar), and asked for Ganesh to bless the couple.

After this, the couple and their parents perform a puja, in which the welcome the gods and ask for their blessing’s. The bride and groom-to-be then exchange garlands as a symbol of mutual welcome into each other’s lives. Gold rings are also exchanged in hope of a long and happy marriage.

After exchanging rings, the groom’s family offers a basket of fruit, clothing and other items to the girl as a symbol of acceptance into their family. The groom’s family then gives the bride’s family a promise of marriage and feeds them misri to finalise the couple’s engagement and end the misri ceremony.

The day before the wedding, the bride is decorated with mehndi by her female relatives and close friends. The bride’s hands and feet are decorated in ornate patterns using a paste called henna, lemon juice, oil and water steeped in tea-leaves.

What happens on the day? The ceremony itself takes place under a mandap or a wooden canopy erected upon four pillars, brightly decorated for the occasion. It covers an area big enough for the bride, groom, priest and up to six members of each couple’s family at any one time.

On the day of the wedding, both the bride and the groom are anointed with turmeric at their homes giving the skin a healthy glow and cooling the body.

The bride’s relatives wait to welcome the groom and his family. The mother of the bride welcomes the groom by placing a tikka/tilak (red dot) on his forehead. The bride also has a tikka/tilak painted on her forehead.

In a traditional Hindu wedding, the bride wears a red sari trimmed with gold, supplemented with gold jewellery. The groom can either wear a ‘kurta-pajana’ [a long, loose-fitting top with trousers] or a Western style suit.

Inside the mandap, the bride’s father washes the groom’s right foot. This ritual gives the properties of Vishnu to the groom: on this day he is treated as the supreme god and the bride is treated as Lakshmi, the supreme goddess.

The Service The ceremony is conducted by a Hindu priest and takes place, as many Hindu ceremonies do, around a sacred fire. This symbolizes the presence and blessing of God. The priest keeps the fire burning throughout the ceremony by pouring ghee onto the flames. He also throws rice and spices on the fire since these are traditional Hindu symbols of fertility.

The bride’s parents give her to the groom by placing her hand in his. A cord is then placed around the groom’s neck while the other end is attached to the bride’s sari. Together the couple take seven steps around the fire and making promises with each step. These include providing food for the family, to care for the children etc. While taking the seven steps, the man says to the woman:

Title: A Jewish Wedding LO: To investigate attitudes to marriage in Judaism.

In Hebrew, marriage is referred to as Kiddushin (sanctification) or nisuin (elevation). Jews see marriage as necessary and not only to bring children into the world!

Marrying a Jewish partner is important mainly for the sake of the children. Whether a child is Jewish is determined solely by its mother; if she is Jewish, so is the child. he child of a non-Jewish mother is not Jewish, even if its father is! Marriages with Jews and gentiles (non-Jewish) can sometimes run into difficulties when conflicts arise over how the children should be brought up.

Task 1 Read the information on the next page about a Jewish wedding and then answer the questions below in FULL SENTENCES.

1. What happens before the wedding?

2. Why are Jewish weddings never held on a Saturday?

3. What is a chuppah and what does it symbolise?

4. Describe three other symbolic events that take place during the wedding?

5. Why does everyone should ‘Mazel Tov’ at the end of the wedding?

Task 2 ‘A man without a woman is incomplete’ Do you agree with this Jewish teaching?

In my opinion, I agree/disagree with the Jewish teaching that ‘a man without a woman is incomplete.’ This is because …

However, it could also be argued that … This is because …

A Jewish Wedding

Before the marriage, the groom signs the Ketubah to show that he is willing to enter into the marriage. He signs it in front of the Rabbi, who also signs it. The Ketubah is a handcrafted document, written in Hebrew that outlines his duties to his wife.

A Jewish wedding is never held on a Saturday because Friday evening through to Saturday evening is Shabbat. The Jewish holy day.

They are usually held outdoors. Or sometimes in the Synagogue. Wherever it takes place. The couple get married under a Chuppah. This symbolises the new home the couple will share with one another. It is a canopy with each side open representing that even though they will now be a family unit they are still very much a part of the community.

There will be readings from the scriptures based on the importance of marriage. During the ceremony the bride and groom’s parents stand by the couple.

The bride and groom exchange rings as a symbol of their never-ending love for one another. The bride and groom drink red wine that has been blessed by the Rabbi. This is a symbol of their shared joy. With his foot, the groom will break a wine glass that is covered in a cloth. This is to symbolise the hard times that the coupe will endure as well as the joy. It is also said to represent the destruction of the temple.

When the wedding has ended everyone shouts Mazel Tov. This means congratulations.

Title: Baptism LO: To examine the importance of baptism in Christianity.

Baptism is a symbol of a new beginning. It also represents a baby becoming a member of the Church. Although a baby cannot decide to follow Christ for itself, a baptism shows that the child is included as a member of the Church family.

Jesus was baptised by John in the River Jordan. He was fully immersed in the water. As he came up, a voice said from heaven:

You are my own dear son. I am pleased with you.

Task 1 Read the information about baptism on the next page and then create a spider diagram showing the key features of Christian baptism.

Baptism

1. The child is usually brought to the Church for

Baptism in the first few weeks of their life. They 2. There is a GOSPEL are WELCOMED at the door of the Church. The READING, often the story of parents are joined by the godparents and Jesus’ Baptism, to show the

importance of being baptised. together they promise to bring up the child in the practice of the faith. They all make the The Word of God is a sign SIGN OF THE CROSS on the baby’s head. that the new baby is called to

hear and live the good news

of Jesus.

8. Finally, A CANDLE is lit and 3. The baby is anointed given to someone in the child’s on the chest and family. This symbolises that the between the shoulders child has received the light of with the OIL OF Christ; the child is to walk CATECHUMENS as a always as a child of the light. symbol of strength as it not always easy to live

the Christian life.

7. The child is clothed in a WHITE GARMENT to show they 4. Before the child is baptised the parents are free from sin—the outward and godparents say that they reject sin. sign of their Christian dignity and They then profess their belief in God the purity. Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These statements form the BAPTISMAL VOWS and are made on behalf

of the child.

6.Th en the child is anointed with CHRISM (consecrated oil) as a sign that in the eyes 5. The priest then baptises the child by of God the father the new pouring WATER on the head three times and disciple shares Christ’s says ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, mission as priest, prophet and and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’. The king. water represents new life in Christ and cleanses the child from original sin.

Task 2 Match the symbol of baptism with its meaning.

Symbol Meaning signifies that the baptized individual is now dressed in God’s The sign of mantle and will begin a clean life in God’s eyes and the the cross church’s eyes.

White clothing a representation of purity and cleansing from sin.

The Oil a sign of Christ as the light of the earth and the Christian faith

asks for the safety, blessings, grace and mercy of Christ for Holy Water the child, parents, godparents, relatives, and congregation.

Candle to assist the parents in raising the child in Christianity.

Baptismal expresses the protection of God and demands entry into the Font body of the Christian church.

Prayers a sign of bringing the individual and the Holy Spirit together.

represents the baptismal streams, rivers, or pools of water in Godparents ancient times, such as the River of Jordan, where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.

Task 3 ‘People should be given the choice of whether to be baptised’ Do you think this is true?

I think the statement ‘people should be given the choice of whether to be baptised’ is/is not true. This is because …

However, it could also be argued that … This is because …

Title: Coming of Age in Hinduism LO: To explore the importance of the Sacred Thread ceremony in Hinduism.

Coming of age is a young person's transition from being a child to being an adult.

When a boy reaches a stage where he is considered to be mature enough to mark his becoming an adult, the Sacred Thread Ceremony (Upanayana) is performed. Traditionally, this used to be celebrated when a boy left home to go and live with his Guru or spiritual advisor. Nowadays it happens when the boy reaches puberty. This is now less of a serious ceremony and more an opportunity for celebrations. A booth is often built in front of the house and its posts decorated with trees and flowers. Invitations are sent to friends and relatives and feasts are held on the days leading up to the thread day.

Task 1 Read the information about Upanayana on the next page and then answer the questions below in FULL SENTENCES

1. What religion does this ceremony appear in?

2. Who does it happen to and when?

3. Why do you think the Guru or teacher plays an important role in the ceremony?

4. Why is the thread an important part of the ceremony?

Task 2 Write a paragraph explaining why the Sacred Thread Ceremony is important to Hindus.

One reason why the Sacred Thread Ceremony is important to Hindus is … An example of this can be seen in … This explains why Upanayana is important to Hindus because … Therefore, it is clear that ……………… is a very important reason why the Sacred Thread Ceremony is significant to Hindus.

Upanayana

On the day of the giving of the thread, pipers and drummers start playing on their instruments and the water clock is set up. The exact age when a boy is considered to be old enough to perform this ceremony differs, but it is normally sometime between the ages of 7 to 15. It is seen as the time when a boy is becoming more independent of his mother.

In preparation for the ceremony, the boy’s head is shaved and he is presented to the Gods of his household. He and his father normally make an offering. Presents are given to the boy and his parents. Mother and boy are bathed and anointed together. This is the last time a boy is spoon fed by his mother, so he will often sit in her lap and she will symbolically feed him from a spoon to represent this.

The boy will sit on the Guru’s (teacher) left hand side and will promise to obey all orders that he is given. His hands are then covered with a cloth and there is beating of drums and shells being blown. The Guru whispers into the right ear of the boy words that he must not repeat to anyone else.

The boy will then beg from his mother and other ladies at the ceremony and he will be given tokens of wheat, rice, sweets or a small amount of silver and gold money. He passes these to his Guru.

At the end of this ceremony, the boy will be given his sacred thread. This is a thread consisting of three parts and wound together. It is worn across the boy’s shoulder and is usually worn for life. It is made of cotton. It is given so that the good which is in the boy may remain and that he may receive spiritual blessings. In some Hindu societies, a man may not be allowed to marry until he has received his sacred thread.

The boy is blessed by the Hindu teacher or priest and in the blessing, the community ask for long life, strength and intelligence for the boy.

The final part of the ceremony is when the boy takes off the girdle, puts on new clothes, a pair of shoes and an umbrella and pretends to set off on a journey. The priest or uncle of the boy tries to persuade him to stay by promising him the hand of his daughter in marriage so he stays!

What does the ceremony mean? The boy should now have control over his thoughts, words and deeds. He is given a staff to help him to have control over himself and a yellow cloth called a Kaupina representing that he has a new start into adulthood. He should lead a pure life and should study the Hindu scriptures.

Title: Coming of Age in Judaism LO: To investigate the importance of Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Judaism.

Adulthood comes early in Judaism. Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah = son/ daughter of the commandments; someone considered old enough and responsible enough to be able to follow all the Jewish laws. This happens at the age of 12 or 13 … quite early to know and follow over 600 laws!

However, it is important to remember that they do not begin doing ‘adult’ things, but are considered old enough to follow the rules of Judaism.

Task 1 Read the information on the next page on Bar Mitzvah. Create a mind map showing the key features of a Bar Mitzvah.

Bar Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah

For Jews, when boys and girls become adults and full members of their religion they are called Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah. Bar Mitzvah means ‘Son of the Commandment’. It is the point at which a boy becomes an adult member of the Jewish community. He will wear a tallit (a prayer shawl) and learn to put on tefillin (boxes containing holy scrolls). Being Bar Mitzvah does not depend on having a ceremony, but most boys do as it is a big celebratory occasion for families and the Jewish community. The Bar Mitzvah takes place on the Shabbat (holy day) after the boy’s 13th birthday. He has to learn Hebrew and practise reading the portion of the Torah that he has to read during the service. A rabbi will help him to do this. Before he steps up to read, the boy’s father will say a blessing thanking God for helping his son to become the man he is now expected to be. After the reading, there is usually a special meal/party to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. He will make a speech thanking his parents for their support and to make a promise to the Jewish community that he will keep the faith. He is now considered a full member of the synagogue and can now be a part of the minyan. The young boy will now be responsible for his own religious duties and follow the rules and laws of his religion. Up to this point his parents would have done this for him.

Bat Mitzvah Modern Jews (reform) decided that girls should also have a ceremony to mark their adulthood. This is Bat Mitzvah, which means ‘Daughter of the Commandment’. It happens when a girl is 12. She learns about keeping Shabbat and festivals. She may also read from the Torah and have a celebration with the Jewish community.

Task 2 Match the keywords related to Bar/Bat Mitzvah with its meaning.

Name Meaning

The number of persons required by Jewish law to be present to conduct a Torah religious service, a minimum of 10 Jewish males over 13 years of age.

Rabbi A social gathering, usually to celebrate something special.

Two small leather boxes wound by straps around the forehead & arm. They Ceremony contain 4 passages from the Torah and worn as a constant reminder to stay true to their faith.

Jewish prayer shawl that is worn to remind Jews of God’s commandments Synagogue (laws/rules).

Tefillin Language in which Jewish scriptures are written.

Hebrew Jewish day of rest.

Minyan Jewish place of worship.

Shabbat Jewish teacher or master that leads religious ceremonies.

Tallit Jewish scriptures that the young boy/girl will have to read from.

Task 3 Imagine you are a Jewish boy/girl. You are preparing for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah. What kinds of feelings/emotions might you be experiencing as the day gets nearer? Write a diary entry about your big day.

Dear Diary My Bar/Bat Mitzvah is in 2 days, I am feeling… (include different feelings you may have). At the ceremony I have to do the following things… (use keywords to describe different things that will happen).

The thing I am looking forward to the most is… (e.g. reading from the Torah, my father’s blessing, my after party). The reason I am looking forward to ... (e.g. reading from the Torah) most is because…