Marriage is an example of which basic characteristic of religion?

• A. Ritual of purification
• B. Prayer
• C. Rite of passage
• D. Moral law code

Answer: (C)

Rites of passage mark important life transitions within a religious community. Marriage is a classic example because it publicly changes a person’s status—from single to married—through a formal ceremony that includes vows, blessings, and the community’s recognition. This ceremony often signifies new roles and responsibilities within the religious and social order, giving the union sacred significance beyond personal commitment.

A ritual of purification focuses on cleansing or removal of impurity, not on transitioning into a new social or religious status. Prayer is about communicating with the divine, and a moral law code outlines rules for behavior; while marriage may involve moral expectations or rules, the defining feature here is the transition it embodies as a rite of passage.