Rituals Related to Life Cycles

In Kalmykia the major rituals that mark a person’s transition from one status to another include those associated with birth, marriage and death. Each of these life cycle rituals comprises a series of lesser rituals and stages. Other initiation rituals such as the Buddhist ordination for lay people and others are also considered important. It is believed that the successful transition from one status or stage of life to another depends on the correct performance of the corresponding rituals.