A Dictionary of Patients' Spiritual & Cultural Values for Health Care ...

Rituals orceremoniesSpiritualinstruments,structure andsymbolsOn 10 th or 11 th day after birth, priest performs naming ceremonySpecific ceremonies vary according to local customsPraying, meditating, scripture reading, and recitation is commonVarious sacred writingsVarious objects for rituals- including sandalwood, incense, candle, symbolsor pictures, fresh flowers, prayer beadsNot a church-based religion; no hierarchical structureReligious practitioner is priestacceptablePain and suffering seen as result of past actions (Karma)Future lives influenced by how one faces illness, disability and/or deathHoly days andfestivalsPregnancy andbirthSeveral, which are observed at home; some take place in a templeMust be barefoot during religious worship or any kind of religiouscelebrationMust sit at a lower elevation than where the image of the deity has beenplacedExact time of birth may be important to familyCircumcision is uncommonMay not want to name the newborn immediatelyMay be against abortionBirth control, artificial insemination and amniocentesis acceptable27