A water rite is a rite or ceremonial custom that uses water as the central feature. Typically, a person is immersed or bathed as a symbol of religious indoctrination or ritual purification. Examples include the Mikvah in Judaism, a custom of purity, and baptism, a custom that represents purity and indoctrination, in Christianity. Rites that use water, but not as their central feature, for example, that include drinking water, are not considered water rites.
Famous quotes containing the words water and/or rite:
“‘Tis not enough on roots and in the mouth,
But give me water heavy on the head
In all the passion of a broken drouth.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“No doubt they rose up early to observe
The rite of May.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)