acred Thread, upavita(Wangu 112-113). “It is a symbol of all individual existences, inseparable and linked to one singlesource of the universe” (Wangu 113). The child then stays to study with his teacher for severalyears and at the completion of his studies another ritual takes place (113). The central theme ofthis ritual is the ceremonial bath (113). After the bath, he is ready to marry and become ahouseholder (113). “Marriage is one of the most important rituals in the life of a Hindu” (Wangu 113). Themarried man’s role is pivotal in Hindu society (113). The first step is to find a suitable wife (113). Then, according to the astrological calendar, a wedding date is chosen (113). The betroth takesplace some time before the day of the marriage (113). The rites are performed in front of a firewith the bride, the groom, and the friends and family of the couple (113). The couple takesseveral steps around the fire, which is the most important part of the ceremony (Wangu 114).After the ritual, the couple goes to the husband’s home and on the fourth day, several rites areperformed to ensure fertility (114).When someone dies, the family and friends are informed and the body is carried to thelocal cremation ground (Wangu 114). The body is cremated in the belief that its ancestors afterthe funerary rites are performed (Wangu 114-115). Cremation is regarded as the last sacrifice. It Mastrangelo 6is believed that the deceased person is born again after being cremated (Wangu 115). “Thefuneral ritual, sraddha, is performed in order to help the deceased reach the homes of the ancestorsafely” (115). “The prenatal, childhood, marriage, and death rituals are also performed forwomen belonging to the twice- born castes” (115). “During these times, Vedic formulas are notrecited, since women are not allowed to read or hear the Vedas” (115).Hinduism is made up of several ...
