Editing Ritual purification

{{Short description|Bathing or washing as a religious ritual}}
{{more citations needed|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
[[File:Shalom Koboshvili. Taking the bride to the bath house (Mikveh). watercolor on paper. 31.5 × 41.5cm. 1939.jpg|thumb|''Taking the bride to the [[Mikveh|bath house]]'', [[Shalom Koboshvili]], 1939]]
[[File:MultifaithAblutionFacility.jpg|thumb|Male ''[[Wudu]]'' Facility at University of Toronto's Multifaith Centre]]
'''Ritual purification''' is a [[ritual]] prescribed by a religion through which a person is considered to be freed of ''uncleanliness'', especially prior to the worship of a [[deity]], and '''ritual purity''' is a state of ritual [[cleanliness]]. Ritual purification may also apply to objects and places. Ritual uncleanliness is not identical with ordinary physical impurity, such as dirt stains; nevertheless, [[body fluid]]s are generally considered ritually unclean.

Most of these rituals existed long before the [[germ theory of disease]], and figure prominently from the earliest known [[Ancient Near Eastern religion|religious systems of the Ancient Near East]]. Some writers connect the rituals to [[taboo]]s.

Some have seen benefits of these practices as a point of health and preventing infections especially in areas where humans come in close contact with each other. While these practices came before the idea of the germ theory was public in areas that use daily cleaning, the destruction of infectious agents seems to be dramatic.{{Dubious|date=April 2023}}<ref>"Nitten Soji and the prevention of infections" Classical fighting arts vol 2 #18</ref> Others have described a 'dimension of purity' that is universal in religions that seeks to move humans away from disgust (at one extreme), to uplift them towards purity and divinity (at the other extreme), away from uncleanliness to purity, and away from deviant to moral behavior (within one's cultural context).<ref>{{cite book|last=Haidt|first=Johnathan|title=The Happiness Hypothesis|date=12 February 2010|publisher=Basic Books|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2010/02/the-dimension-of-divinity/}}</ref>

==Ancient Rome==
The [[Ancient Rome|ancient Romans]] performed [[Washing|ablution]]s as part of their [[Religion in ancient Rome|religious and daily practices]], often using water to purify themselves before engaging in sacred rites. [[Macrobius|Macrobiu]]s mentions the ritualistic use of ablutions in his work ''[[Saturnalia (Macrobius)|Saturnalia]]'', highlighting their role in maintaining spiritual purity.<ref>Macrobius, ''Saturnalia'', III.2.6.</ref> Similarly, [[Ovid]] references ablutions in his ''[[Fasti]]'', describing their importance during religious festivals and ceremonies.<ref>Ovid, ''Fasti'', IV.7.78.</ref> These practices underscored the significance of cleanliness and ritual purity in [[Culture of ancient Rome|Roman culture]].  

[[Reconstructionist Roman religion|Modern practitioners of the ancient Roman religion]], such as those in the Pietas Comunità Gentile and Nova Roma community, continue to observe ablutions as part of their reconstructed rituals, emphasizing continuity with traditional Roman customs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.novaroma.org/nr/Ritual_purification |title=Ritual Purification |author=Nova Roma |website=Nova Roma |access-date=9 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Barbera |first=Giuseppe |title=Pietas: An Introduction to Roman Traditionalism |year=2021 |publisher=Mythology Corner |location=Rome |isbn=9780981759616}}</ref>

==Baháʼí Faith==
In the [[Baháʼí Faith]], ritual ablutions (the washing of the hands and face) should be done before the saying of the [[Obligatory Baháʼí prayers|obligatory prayer]]s, as well as prior to the recitation of the [[Baháʼí symbols#The Greatest Name|Greatest Name]] 95 times.<ref name="smith-ablutions">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Smith |first= Peter |encyclopedia= A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baháʼí Faith |title= ablutions |year= 2000 |publisher= Oneworld Publications |location= Oxford |isbn= 1-85168-184-1 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/conciseencyclope0000smit/page/21 21–22] |url= https://archive.org/details/conciseencyclope0000smit/page/21 }}</ref> Menstruating women are obliged to pray, but have the (voluntary) alternative of reciting a verse instead; if the latter choice is taken, ablutions are still required before the recital of the special verse. [[Bahá'u'lláh]], the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, prescribed the ablutions in his book of laws, the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]''.<ref name="smith-ablutions"/>

These ablutions have a significance beyond washing and should be performed even if one has bathed oneself immediately before reciting the obligatory prayer; fresh ablutions should also be performed for each devotion, unless they are being done at the same time. If no water (or clean water) is available or if an illness would be worsened by the use of water, one may instead repeat the verse ''"In the Name of God, the Most Pure, the Most Pure"'' five times before the prayer.<ref name="smith-ablutions"/>

Apart from this, Bahá'u'lláh abolished all forms of ritual impurity of people and things, following Báb who stressed the importance of cleanliness and spiritual purity.<ref name="smith-purity">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Smith |first= Peter |encyclopedia= A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baháʼí Faith |title= purity |year= 2000 |publisher=Oneworld Publications |location= Oxford |isbn= 1-85168-184-1 |pages= 281–282 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pYfrAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT305}}</ref>

==Buddhism==
{{Main|Tsukubai}}
[[Image:Tsukubai2.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Tsukubai]] at [[Ryōan-ji]] temple in [[Kyoto]]]]
In [[Japanese Buddhism]], a basin called a [[tsukubai]] is provided at [[Buddhist temple]]s for ablutions. It is also used for [[tea ceremony]].

This type of ritual cleansing is the custom for guests attending a [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]]<ref name="MSIK">{{cite book | title=Must See in Kyoto | publisher=Japan Travel Bureau, Inc | year=1991 | location=Kyoto | pages=107 | isbn=4-533-00528-4}}</ref> or visiting the grounds of a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[temple]].<ref name="ZenKyoto133">{{cite book | title=Zen and Kyoto | publisher=Uniplan Co, Inc | author=Einarsen, John | year=2004 | location=Kyoto | pages=133 | isbn=4-89704-202-X}}</ref> The name originates from the verb {{Transliteration|ja|tsukubau}} meaning "to crouch"<ref name="Setsuko">{{Cite book |title=Dictionary of Japanese Culture |last1=Setsuko |first1=Kojima |last2=Crane |first2=Gene A |date=1991 |publisher=Heian |isbn=0893463361 |edition= 1st American |location=Union City, CA |pages=369–70 |oclc=23738000}}</ref> or "to bow down", an act of humility.<ref name="ZenKyoto133"/> Guests attending a tea ceremony crouch and wash their hands in a ''tsukubai'' set in the [[tea garden]] before entering the tearoom.<ref name="Setsuko"/>

''Tsukubai'' are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small [[ladle (spoon)|ladle]], ready for use.<ref name="Setsuko"/> A supply of water may be provided via a bamboo pipe<ref name="Setsuko"/> called a ''kakei''.

The famous ''tsukubai'' shown here stands in the grounds of the [[Ryōan-ji]] temple in [[Kyoto]], and was donated by the feudal lord [[Tokugawa Mitsukuni]].<ref name="ZenKyoto90-91">{{cite book | title=Zen and Kyoto | publisher=Uniplan Co, Inc | author=Einarsen, John | year=2004 | location=Kyoto | pages=90–91 | isbn=4-89704-202-X}}</ref> The [[kanji]] written on the surface of the stone are without significance when read alone. If each is read in combination with 口 ({{Transliteration|ja|kuchi}}) - the shape of the central bowl - then the characters become 吾, 唯, 足, 知 which translates literally as "I only know plenty" (吾 = {{Transliteration|ja|ware}} = I, 唯 = {{Transliteration|ja|tada}} = only, 足 = {{Transliteration|ja|taru}} = plenty, 知 = {{Transliteration|ja|shiru}} = know).<ref name="stonelantern">{{cite web | url=http://www.stonelantern.ch/Frame_English/Zenibachi_English.htm | title=Tsukubai and Zenibachi, the Japanese Water Basins | access-date=3 March 2016 | archive-date=1 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401163340/https://www.stonelantern.ch/Frame_English/Zenibachi_English.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref> The underlying meaning, variously translated as "what one has is all one needs",<ref name="stonelantern"/> or "learn only to be content"<ref name="ZenKyoto90-91"/> reflects the basic anti-materialistic teachings of [[Buddhism]].

==Christianity==
{{Main|Ablution in Christianity}}
{{See also|Hygiene in Christianity}}
[[Image:Fuente de Poblet 2.jpg|thumb|[[Lavabo]] in the [[Poblet Monastery]] in [[Spain]]]]
The [[Pentateuch]] (the first five books of the [[Old Testament]]) prescribes many rituals of purification relating to [[menstruation]], [[childbirth]], [[religion and sexuality|sexual relations]], [[keri|nocturnal emission]], [[Zav|unusual bodily fluids]], [[Tzaraath|skin disease]], [[death]], and [[korban|animal sacrifice]]s. [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] such as the [[Coptic Orthodox Church|Coptic Orthodox]], [[Ethiopian Orthodox]], and [[Eritrean Orthodox]], place a heavier emphasis on Old Testament teachings, and its followers adhere to certain practices such as observing days of ritual purification.<ref>{{cite book |author1=[[Ian Bradley]] |title=Water: A Spiritual History |date=2 November 2012 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-4411-6767-5 |language=English|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last= H. Bulzacchelli|first=Richard|title=Judged by the Law of Freedom: A History of the Faith-works Controversy, and a Resolution in the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas|publisher=[[University Press of America]]|year=2006|isbn=9780761835011|pages=19|quote=The Ethiopian and Coptic Churches distinguishes between clean and unclean meats, observes days of ritual purification, and keeps a kind of dual Sabbath on both Saturday and Sunday.}}</ref> Before praying, they [[Ablution in Christianity|wash their hands and face]] in order to be clean before and present their best to God.<ref name="Amherst1906">{{cite book |author1=[[Mary Cecil, 2nd Baroness Amherst of Hackney]] |title=A Sketch of Egyptian History from the Earliest Times to the Present Day |date=1906 |publisher=Methuen |page=399 |language=en |quote=Prayers 7 times a day are enjoined, and the most strict among the Copts recite one of more of the Psalms of David each time they pray. They always wash their hands and faces before devotions, and turn to the East.}}</ref><ref name="Dawood2013">{{cite web |last1=Dawood |first1=Bishoy |title=Stand, Bow, Prostrate: The Prayerful Body of Coptic Christianity |url=https://www.clarionreview.org/2013/12/stand-bow-prostrate-the-prayerful-body-of-coptic-christianity/ |publisher=The Clarion Review |access-date=6 August 2020 |language=en |date=8 December 2013 |quote=Standing facing the East is the most frequent prayer position. ... This is further emphasized in the fact that Copts pray facing the East, waiting for the return of Jesus in glory; his return as the enthroned Pantocrator is portrayed in the iconography that is placed before the worshippers. |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810085554/http://www.clarionreview.org/2013/12/stand-bow-prostrate-the-prayerful-body-of-coptic-christianity/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] prescribes several kinds of [[hand washing]] for example after leaving the latrine, lavatory or bathhouse, or before prayer, or after eating a meal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pwtw.pl/wp-content/uploads/wst/12-2/Pedersen.pdf |title=Is THE CHURCH OF ETHIOPIA A JUDAIC CHURCH ? |access-date=15 January 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115645/http://pwtw.pl/wp-content/uploads/wst/12-2/Pedersen.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The women in the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] are prohibited from entering the church temple during [[menses]]; and the men do not enter a church the day after they have had intercourse with their wives.<ref>[http://www.eotc.faithweb.com/liturgy.htm The Liturgy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]</ref>
[[File:US Navy 030420-N-9236M-025 Chief Electronics Technician Geoffrey Ormston is immersed in the waters of Apra Harbor, Guam by Chaplain Richard Inman during a baptismal ceremony on Easter Sunday.jpg|thumb|[[Baptismal]] ceremony on [[Easter]] [[Sunday]]]]
[[Baptism]], as a form of ritual purification, occurs in several religions related to Judaism, and most prominently in [[Christianity]]; Christianity also has other forms of ritual purification. Many Christian churches practice a ceremony of the [[Maundy (foot washing)|Washing of Feet]],<ref name="common">{{cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=dyWqm3hCMC0C&q=Triduum+Maundy&pg=PA113|title = The Companion to the Book of Common Worship|author=Peter C. Bower|date = January 2003|publisher = [[Geneva Press]]|isbn = 9780664502324|quote=Maundy Thursday (or ''le mandé''; Thursday of the ''Mandatum'', Latin, commandment). The name is taken from the first few words sung at the ceremony of the washing of the feet, "I give you a new commandment" (John 13:34); also from the commandment of Christ that we should imitate His loving humility in the washing of the feet (John 13:14–17). The term ''mandatum'' (maundy), therefore, was applied to the rite of foot-washing on this day.|access-date = 2009-04-11}}</ref> following the example of Jesus in the Gospel.<ref>{{bibleverse|John|13:1–17}}</ref> Some interpret this as an [[Ordinance (Christian)|ordinance]] which the church is obliged to keep as a commandment, see also [[Biblical law in Christianity]].<ref name="common" /> Others interpret it as an example that all should follow. Most denominations that practice the rite will perform it on [[Maundy Thursday]]. Often in these services, the [[bishop]] will wash the feet of the clergy, and in [[monastery|monasteries]] the [[Abbot]] will wash the feet of the brethren.

Many ancient churches were built with a large fountain in the courtyard. It was the tradition for Christians to wash before entering the church for worship.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140924055251/http://www.ccel.org/ccel/benedict/rule2/files/rule2.html#ch35 The Holy Rule of St. Benedict]</ref> This usage is also legislated in the ''[[Rule of St. Benedict]]'', as a result of which, many medieval [[monasteries]] were built with communal lavers for the [[monk]]s or [[nun]]s to wash up before the [[Daily Office]]. Catholic religious orders of the [[Augustinians]]' and [[Benedictines]]' rules contained ritual purification,<ref>{{cite book|title=The English Spa, 1560-1815: A Social History|first=Phyllis|last= Hembry|year= 1990| isbn= 9780838633915|publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press}}</ref> and inspired by [[Benedict of Nursia]] encouragement for the practice of therapeutic bathing; [[Benedictine]] monks played a role in the development and promotion of [[spa]]s.<ref name=ASpiritualHistory>{{cite book | title = Water: A Spiritual History| first =Ian |last=Bradley | year =2012| isbn= 9781441167675|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing}}</ref>

The requirement that a Catholic priest wash his hands before saying [[Mass in the Catholic Church|Mass]] began as a practical precaution of cleanness, which was also interpreted symbolically.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09044b.htm Fortescue, Adrian. "Lavabo." The Catholic Encyclopedia] Vol. 9. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. 12 July 2017</ref> "In the third century there are traces of a custom of washing the hands as a preparation for prayer on the part of all Christians, and from the fourth century onwards it appears to have been usual for the ministers at the [[Catholic mass]] or [[divine liturgy]] to ceremonially wash their hands before the more solemn part of the service as a symbol of inward purity."<ref>[http://justus.anglican.org/resources/pc/pwra/rced4/section3.html ''Report of the Royal Commission on Ecclesiastical Discipline''] ([[Church of England]]) 1906</ref>
[[File:Bishop Sebouh - Washing of Feet.jpg|thumb|Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian of the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] [[Maundy (foot washing)|washing the feet]] of children]]
Traditionally, Christianity adhered to the biblical regulation requiring the purification of women after childbirth; this practice, was adapted into a special ritual known as the [[churching of women]], for which there exists liturgy in the [[Church of England]]'s [[Book of Common Prayer]], but its use is now rare in [[Western Christianity]]. The churching of women is still performed in a number of [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Christian]] churches ([[Eastern Orthodox]], [[Oriental Orthodox]] and [[Eastern Catholic]] churches).

A [[cantharus (Christianity)|cantharus]] is a fountain used by [[Christians|Christian]]s for ablution before entering a [[church (building)|church]].<ref name="Bradley2012">{{cite book |author1=[[Ian Bradley]] |title=Water: A Spiritual History |date=2 November 2012 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-4411-6767-5 |language=en|quote=It was probably out of the Jewish rite that the practice developed among early Christians, especially in the east, of washing their hands and feet before going into church. Early Christian basilicas had a fountain for ablutions, known as cantharus or phiala, and usually placed in the centre of the atrium. They are still found in some Eastern Orthodox churches, notably at the monastery of Laura at Mount Athos, where the phiala is an imposing structure in front of the entrance covered by a dome resting on eight pillars. In several Orthodox churches today worshippers take off heir shoes and wash their feet before entering the church just as Muslims do before going into a mosque.}}</ref><ref name="Soloviĭ68">{{cite book |last1=Soloviĭ |first1=Meletiĭ M. |title=Eastern Liturgical Theology: General Introduction |date=1970 |publisher=Ukrainian Catholic Religion and Culture Society of Etobicoke (Toronto) and Ukrainian Catholic Youth of Canada |page=68 |language=en |quote=In the Book of Exodus (30, 18-20) Aaron and his sons were required to wash before approaching the altar. Here water is used as a symbol of purification and expiation. But water is also the most common and most indispensable drink. ... So much was the practice a part of the life of the early Church, that in the period after Constantine the “cantharus”, or water fountain, became a standard fixture in the courtyard before the basilica to permit the faithful to purify themselves before entering the presence of God.}}</ref><ref name="Bingham1849">{{cite book |last1=Bingham |first1=Joseph |title=The antiquities of the Christian Church |date=1840 |publisher=W. Straker |page=396 |language=en |quote=In the middle of which stood a Fountain for washing as they entered into the Church, called Cantharus and Phiala in some authors. It is further to be noted, that in the middle of the atrium, there was commonly a fountain, or a cistern of water, for people to wash their hands and face, before they went into the church.}}</ref> These ablutions involve the washing of the hands, face, and feet.<ref name="Bingham1849"/> The cantharus is traditionally located in the [[narthex|exonarthex]] of the church.<ref name="Soloviĭ68"/><ref name="Ferguson2013">{{cite book |last1=Ferguson |first1=Everett |title=Encyclopedia of Early Christianity: Second Edition |date=8 October 2013 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-61158-2 |page=6 |language=en}}</ref> The water emitted by a cantharus is to be running water.<ref name="Lowrie1901">{{cite book |last1=Lowrie |first1=Walter |title=Christian Art and Archæology: Being a Handbook to the Monuments of the Early Church |date=1901 |publisher=[[Macmillan Publishers]] |page=179 |language=en |quote=In the middle of this court there was as a rule a fountain of running water (the ''cantharus'') for the symbolical purification of those who ere about to enter the church.}}</ref> The practice of ablutions before prayer and worship in Christianity [[Christian symbolism|symbolizes]] "separation from sins of the spirit and surrender to the Lord."<ref name="Ferguson2013"/> [[Eusebius]] recorded this practice of canthari located in the courtyards of churches, for the faithful to wash themselves before entering a Christian house of worship.<ref name="Bingham1849"/> The practice has its origins Jewish practice of performing ablutions before entering into the presence of God (cf. {{Bibleverse|Exodus|30:17-21|KJV}}).<ref name="Soloviĭ68"/><ref name="Bradley2012"/> Though [[cantharus (Christianity)|cantharus]] are not as prevalent anymore in [[Western Christianity]], they are found in [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Christian]] and [[Oriental Christianity|Oriental Christian]] churches.<ref name="Bradley2012"/> However, in the [[Latin liturgical rites]] of the [[Catholic Church]], worshippers sprinkle themselves with [[holy water]] before entering the nave of the Church or approaching the [[altar]].{{cn|date=January 2023}}

In [[Reformed Christianity]],{{citation needed|date= December 2024|reason=Does 'ritual purity' relate to Reformed Christianity at all?}} [[ritual purity]] is achieved through the Confession of Sins, Assurance of Forgiveness, and [[Sanctification]]. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers offer their whole being and labor as a 'living sacrifice'; and cleanliness becomes a way of life (See Romans 12:1, and John 13:5-10 (the Washing of the Feet)). Prior to praying the [[canonical hours]] at [[fixed prayer times|seven fixed prayer times]], [[Oriental Orthodox Christians]] wash their hands, face and feet (cf. ''[[Agpeya]]'', ''[[Shehimo]]'').<ref name="Smith1909">{{cite journal |last1=Smith |first1=Bertha H. |title=The Bath as a Religious Rite among Mohammedans |journal=Modern Sanitation |date=1909 |volume=7 |issue=1 |publisher=Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co. |language=en |quote=The Copts, descendants of these ancient Egyptians, although Christians, have the custom of washing their hands and faces before prayer, and some also wash their feet.}}</ref><ref name="Amherst1906"/><ref name="Tadros2015">{{cite book |last1=Tadros |first1=Emile |title=Reconstruction the Origins of the Coptic Church through its Liturgy |date=2015 |publisher=[[McMaster Divinity College]] |page=16 |language=en |quote=The Coptic Church observes strict practices concerning circumcision, rituals surrounding menstruation, weekly two-days fasting, 40 ablution, and many other rituals.}}</ref>

The [[Anal hygiene|use of water]] in many [[Christian countries]] is due in part to the Biblical toilet etiquette which encourages washing after all instances of defecation.<ref>{{cite book|title=Contemporary Biology: Concepts and Implications|first=Mary|last= E. Clark|year= 2006| isbn= 9780721625973|publisher=University of Michigan Press}}</ref> The [[bidet]] is common in predominantly [[Catholic countries]] where water is considered essential for [[anal cleansing]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Contemporary Biology: Concepts and Implications|first=Mary|last= E. Clark|year= 2006| isbn= 9780721625973| page =613 |publisher=University of Michigan Press|quote= Douching is commonly practiced in Catholic countries. The bidet ... is still commonly found in France and other Catholic countries.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |date= 2013|title= Made in Naples. Come Napoli ha civilizzato l'Europa (e come continua a farlo)|trans-title=Made in Naples. How Naples civilised Europe (And still does it)|language=it |publisher= Addictions-Magenes Editoriale|isbn=978-8866490395}}</ref> and in some traditionally [[Eastern Orthodox|Orthodox]] and [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] countries such as [[Greece]] and [[Finland]] respectively, where [[bidet shower]]s are common.<ref>[http://en.biginfinland.com/hose-always-next-every-finnish-toilet/ "Bidets in Finland"]</ref>

==Hinduism==
[[File:Ganga Dashara, at Haridwar.jpg|thumb|Devotees taking holy bath during festival of ''Ganga Dashahara'' at [[Har Ki Pauri]], [[Haridwar]]]]
Various traditions within [[Hinduism]] follow different standards of ritual purity and purification. Within each tradition the more orthodox groups follow stricter rules, but the strictest rules are generally prescribed for [[Brahmin]]s, especially those engaged in the temple worship.

An important part of ritual purification in Hinduism is the bathing of the entire body, particularly in rivers considered holy such as the [[Ganges]]. It is considered auspicious to perform this method of purification before festivals after a death, in order to maintain purity.

Punyahavachanam is a ritual meant to purify one's self and one's home, usually performed before important occasions, like weddings. During the ceremony, mantras are chanted and then consecrated water is sprinkled over all of the participants and the items used.

In the ritual known as ''[[abhisheka]]'' (Sanskrit, "sprinkling; ablution"), the deity's [[murti]] or image is ritually bathed with water, curd, milk, honey, ghee, cane sugar, rosewater, etc. Abhisheka is also a special form of [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] prescribed by [[Āgama (Hinduism)|Agamic]] injunction. The act is also performed in the inauguration of religious and political monarchs and for other special blessings. The murtis of deities must not be touched without cleansing the hands, and one is not supposed to enter a temple without a bath.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

''Sūtaka'' are the [[Hindu]] rules of impurity to be followed after the birth of a child (''vṛddhi sūtaka'').<ref>{{Cite book |last=Turner |first=R. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UX_AeDYzhBQC&dq=S%C5%ABtaka&pg=PA781 |title=A Comparative Dictionary of the Indo-Aryan Languages |date=1999 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publisher |isbn=978-81-208-1665-7 |pages=781 |language=en}}</ref> Sūtaka involves the practice of keeping socially isolated from relatives and community by abstention of mealtaking with family, engaging in customary religious activities, and leaving the home. A mother must practice sūtaka for 10 to 30 days, depending upon her [[Varna (Hinduism)|varna]], while the father may become purified immediately after the birth of his child by ritual purification (ritual bathing).<ref>Textbook of the 'University of Spirituality', Volume 61, ''Death and Post-Death Rites'', by Parātpar Guru (Dr) Athavale and H.H. (Mrs.) Anjali http://sanatanshop.com/shop/en/booklets/383-death-and-post-death-rites.html</ref>

There are various kinds of purificatory rituals associated with [[Antyesti|death ceremonies]]. After visiting a house where a death has recently occurred, Hindus are expected to take baths.

Women take a head bath after completing their four-day [[Menstrual taboo|menstrual period]].

==Indigenous American religions==
[[Image:Villa de Leyva el infiernito.jpg|thumb|left|''[[El Infiernito]]'' ("The Little [[Hell]]") Ruins of an ancient [[Muisca people|Muisca]] [[shrine]], place of purification rituals]]
In the traditions of many [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas]], one of the forms of ritual purification is the ablutionary use of a [[sauna]], known as a [[sweatlodge]], as preparation for a variety of other ceremonies. The burning of [[smudge stick]]s is also believed by some indigenous groups to cleanse an area of any evil presence. Some groups like the southeastern tribe, the [[Cherokee]], practiced and, to a lesser degree, still practice [[going to water]], performed only in moving bodies of water such as rivers or streams. Going to water was practiced by some villages daily (around sunrise) while others would go to water primarily for special occasions, including but not limited to [[Naming ceremony|naming ceremonies]], [[holidays]], and [[ball games]].<ref>The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokee by James Mooney 1891</ref> Many anthropologists that studied with the Cherokees like James Adair tried to connect these groups to the [[Lost Tribes of Israel]] based on religious practices including going to water,<ref>The History of The American Indians by James Adair 1775</ref> but this form of [[historiography]] is mostly Christian "wish fulfillment" rather than respectable anthropology.

[[Yuquot Whalers' Shrine]] on [[Vancouver Island]] was used by chiefs to prepare ritually for [[whaling]].

==Islam==
{{Main|Muslim hygienical jurisprudence|Ritual purity in Islam}}
[[File:Men Perform Ablutions outside Suleymaniye Mosque - Suleymaniye District - Istanbul - Turkey (5726963682).jpg|thumb|People washing their feet before prayer at [[Süleymaniye Mosque]] in [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]]]]

[[Islam]]ic ritual purification is particularly centred on the preparation for [[salah]], ritual prayer; theoretically ritual purification would remain valid throughout the day, but is treated as invalid on the occurrence of certain acts, flatulence, sleep, contact with the opposite sex (depending on which school of thought), unconsciousness, and the emission of blood, semen, or [[vomiting|vomit]]. Some schools of thought mandate that ritual purity is necessary for holding the [[Quran]].

Ritual purification takes the form of ablution, [[wudu]] and [[ghusl]], depending on the circumstance; the greater form is obligatory by a woman after she ceases menstruation, on a corpse that did not die during battle, and after sexual activity, and is optionally used on other occasions, for example just prior to Friday prayers or entering [[ihram]].

An alternative ''[[tayammum]]'' ("dry ablution"), involving clean sand or earth, is used if clean water is not available or if an illness would be worsened by the use of water; this form is invalidated in the same circumstances as the other forms, and also whenever water becomes available and safe to use.

The [[fard]] or "obligatory activities" of the lesser form include beginning with the intention to purify oneself, washing of the face, arms, head, and feet. while some ''[[mustahabb]]'' "recommended activities" also exist such as [[basmala]] recitation, oral hygiene, washing the mouth, nose at the beginning, washing of arms to the elbows and washing of the ears at the end; additionally recitation of the [[Shahada]]. The greater form (ghusl) is completed by first performing wudu and then ensuring that the entire body is washed. Some minor details of Islamic ritual purification may vary between different [[madhhab]]s "schools of thought".

==Judaism==
[[Image:Judenbad Speyer 6 View from the first room down.jpg|thumb|right|Pool of a medieval mikvah in [[Speyer]], dating to 1128]]
[[File:NatlaCup.jpg|thumb|Cup used for ritual Jewish handwashing]]
{{Main|Ritual washing in Judaism}}
{{See also|Handwashing in Judaism}}
The [[Hebrew Bible]] mentions a number of situations when ritual purification is required, including following menstruation ([[niddah]]), [[childbirth]], [[religion and sexuality#Judaism|sexual relations]], [[keri|nocturnal emission]], [[Zav|unusual bodily fluids]], [[Tzaraath|skin disease]], [[death]] ([[corpse uncleanness]]), and certain [[korban|animal sacrifice]]s. Generally, the ritual in these circumstances consists of immersing the whole body in a special bath (a ''[[mikveh]]''). In addition, the [[oral Torah|oral law]] specifies other situations when ritual purification is required, such as after performing [[excretion|excretory functions]], [[meal]]s, and [[sleep|waking]]. In these circumstances, typically, only the hands are washed.

These regulations were variously observed by the [[Israelites]]. Purification was required so ritually impure individuals would not defile the [[Tabernacle]] and receive the [[kareth]] or execution.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Leviticus|15:31|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Numbers|19:20|HE}}</ref> Nowadays, in the absence of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], many of the Torah's laws about purification have no practical implication and are no longer observed. However, purification from the [[niddah]] status is still observed by contemporary [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jews]] and (with some modifications and additional leniencies) some [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative Jews]], as its practical implications are highly relevant: a woman who is impure with this status is forbidden to have sexual contact with her husband.

[[Corpse uncleanness]], or coming into contact with a [[corpse]], is considered the ultimate impurity. It cannot be purified through immersion in a [[mikveh]] alone, but also requires sprinkling with the ashes of the [[red heifer]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rowman|first1=Altamira|title=The Inclusive Hebrew Scriptures: The Torah|date=2004|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.|isbn=0-9644279-6-6|page=241|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vb9LUUVNq4UC&pg=PA241|access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> Since the red heifer no longer exists, this form of impurity cannot be removed. Currently, all individuals are assumed to possess the impurity of death.<ref name="Shemini">{{cite web|url=http://mattrutta.blogspot.com/2008/03/dvar-torah-s3-sheminiparah-smell-of.html|title=Shemini/Parah (The smell of burning death)|last=Rutta|first=Matt|date=30 March 2008|work=Rabbinic Rambling|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref> This has a few practical implications: it prohibits Jews from entering the site of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]] and prohibits eating certain foods (such as ''[[terumah]]'') which may only be eaten when pure.

==Mandaeism==
{{Main|Mandaeism#Worship and rituals}}
{{See also|Masbuta|Tamasha (ablution)|Rishama (ablution)}}
[[File:Parwanaya 2015 Ahvaz 09.jpg|thumb|right|Mandaean priests performing ''tamasha'' in preparation for the [[masbuta]] during the 2015 [[Parwanaya]] festival in [[Ahvaz]], Iran]]
One of the most important ceremonies in Mandaean worship is [[Baptism#Mandaean_baptism|baptism]] (''[[masbuta]]''). Unlike Christianity, baptism is not a one-off event but is performed every Sunday, the Mandaean holy day, as a purification ritual. Baptism usually involves full immersion in flowing water, and all rivers considered fit for baptism are called ''[[yardna]]'' for the [[Jordan River]]. After emerging from the water, the worshipper is anointed with holy [[sesame oil]] (''[[misha (Mandaeism)|misha]]'') and partakes in a communion of [[Sacramental bread#Mandaeism|sacramental bread]] (''[[pihta]]'') and water. Other rituals for purification include the ''[[Rishama (ablution)|rishama]]'' and the ''[[Tamasha (ablution)|tamasha]]'' which, unlike ''masbuta'', can be performed without a priest.<ref>Drower, Ethel Stefana. The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran. Oxford At The Clarendon Press, 1937</ref> The ''rishama'' (signing) is performed before prayers and involves washing the face and limbs while reciting specific prayers. It is performed daily, before sunrise, with hair covered and after evacuation of bowels or before religious ceremonies<ref name=MAU>{{cite web|author=Mandaean Awareness and Guidance Board|date=28 May 2014|title=Mandaean Beliefs & Mandaean Practices|url=http://www.mandaeanunion.com/culture/item/1249-mandaean-beliefs|website=Mandaean Associations Union|access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref> (see [[wudu]]). The ''tamasha'' is a triple immersion in the river without a priest being required to do it. Women perform it after menstruation or childbirth, men and women after sexual activity or nocturnal emission, touching a corpse or any other type of defilement<ref name=MAU/> (see [[Ritual_washing_in_Judaism#Full-body_immersion_(Tvilah)|tevilah]]). Ritual purification also applies to fruits, vegetables, pots, pans, utensils, animals for consumption and ceremonial garments (''[[rasta (Mandaeism)|rasta]]'').<ref name=MAU/> Purification for a dying person is also performed. It includes bathing, which involves a threefold sprinkling of river water over the person from head to feet.<ref name=MAU/>

==Shinto==
[[File:Purifying before entering a shrine; October 2019.jpg|thumb|A mother and daughter purify themselves before entering a Shinto shrine.]]
{{Main|Harae|Chōzuya}}
Ritual cleanliness is a central part of [[Shinto]] life.<ref>Ono, Sakyo. ''Shinto: The Kami Way''. Pp 51–52, 108. Tuttle Publishing. 2004. {{ISBN|0-8048-3557-8}}</ref> In Shinto, a common form of ritual purification is {{lang|ja-Latn|[[misogi]]}},{{sfnm|1a1=Bocking|1y=1997|1p=93|2a1=Cali|2a2=Dougill|2y=2013|2p=20}}{{sfnm|1a1=Nelson|1y=1996|1p=101|2a1=Bocking|2y=1997|2p=45|3a1=Cali|3a2=Dougill|3y=2013|3p=21}} which involves natural running water, and especially waterfalls. Rather than being entirely naked, men usually wear [[Fundoshi|Japanese loincloths]] and women wear [[kimono]], both additionally wearing [[hachimaki|headbands]].{{sfnm|1a1=Bocking|1y=1997|1p=93|2a1=Cali|2a2=Dougill|2y=2013|2p=20}}{{sfnm|1a1=Nelson|1y=1996|1p=101|2a1=Bocking|2y=1997|2p=45|3a1=Cali|3a2=Dougill|3y=2013|3p=21}}

== Western esotericism ==
{{Main|Western esotericism|Banishing}}
In [[ceremonial magic]], '[[banishing]]' refers to one or more rituals intended to remove non-physical influences ranging from spirits to negative influences.<ref name="magick">{{cite book |title=Magick in Theory and Practice |last=Crowley |first=Aleister |author-link=Aleister Crowley |pages=103–6 |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/oto/lib4.htm}}</ref> Although banishing rituals are often used as components of more complex ceremonies, they can also be performed by themselves. Banishing can be viewed as of several [[Magick (Aleister Crowley)#Techniques|techniques of magic]], closely related to ritual purification and a typical prerequisite for [[consecration]] and [[invocation]].

In the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], the [[Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram]] (banishing: LBRP; invoking: LIRP) must be learned by the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn#Structure and grades|Neophyte]] before moving on to the next grade ([[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn#Structure and grades|Zelator]]).<ref>The Golden Dawn by I. Regardie</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Golden Dawn Neophyte Knowledge Lecture|url=http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/imuhtuk/gdrolls/kno1.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021117140910/http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/imuhtuk/gdrolls/kno1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 November 2002|access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> For actual workings [[Aleister Crowley]] recommends a short, general banishing, with a comment that "in more elaborate ceremonies it is usual to banish everything by name."<ref name="magick"/> In ''[[Liber Aleph|Liber Aleph vel CXI]]'', Crowley recommended that a banishing ritual be done at least once daily by [[Thelema|Thelemites]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Crowley|first=Aleister|title=Liber Aleph vel CXI|publisher=A.:.A.:.|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/oto/aleph_1.htm}}</ref>

In [[Wicca]] and various forms of [[neopaganism]], banishing is performed before [[Magic circle|casting a circle]] in order to purify the area where the ritual or magick is about to take place. In his books on nocturnal witchcraft, for example, Konstantinos recommends performing banishings regularly, in order to keep the magical workspace free of negativity, and to become proficient in banishing before attempting acts that are much more spiritually taxing on the body, such as magical [[Incantation|spellworking]].<ref>Konstantinos.''Nocturnal Witchcraft: Magick After Dark''. St. Paul, Minn:Llewellyn Publications, 2002.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Bathing the dead]]
* [[Churching of women]]
* [[Eleusinian Mysteries]]
* [[Lady Macbeth effect]]
* [[Law of contagion]]
* [[Lustral basin]]
* [[Water and religion]]

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{Catholic Encyclopedia |title = Lavabo |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Bocking |first=Brian |date=1997 |title=A Popular Dictionary of Shinto |edition=revised |location=Richmond |publisher=Curzon |isbn=978-0-7007-1051-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cali |first1=Joseph |last2=Dougill |first2=John |date=2013 |title=Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion |location=Honolulu |publisher=University of Hawai'i Press |isbn=978-0-8248-3713-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Nelson |first=John K. |title=A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine |url=https://archive.org/details/yearinlifeofs00nels |url-access=registration |location=Seattle and London |publisher=University of Washington Press |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-295-97500-9 }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscat inline|Water in religion}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ritual Purification}}
[[Category:Ritual purification| ]]