A ritual is a ceremonial act or series of acts that is performed in a manner prescribed by tradition or custom. Rituals are often, but not always, religious in nature, and may be performed to honor, commemorate, or satisfy certain cultural norms, social obligations, or personal beliefs. The term derives from the Latin ritus, meaning "act of renewal" or "ceremony." In Hebrew, the word for ritual is טקס (taks) or ריטואל (ritual), depending on the context. In other languages, the concept is similarly expressed, such as rituel in French, Ritual in German, and rituale in Italian. Rituals can vary widely in complexity and purpose, ranging from simple daily practices to elaborate ceremonies marking significant life events or seasonal changes. They often serve to reinforce social bonds, express shared values, and provide a sense of order and meaning within a community or individual life.