What purposes do major religious rituals serve?

Major religious rituals play a significant role in strengthening community bonds and marking important life events. These rituals are often communal activities that bring individuals together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among participants. For example, rituals such as weddings, funerals, and rites of passage not only signify transitions in a person's life but also reinforce communal ties as family members and friends come together to celebrate or mourn.

In addition to celebrating milestones, rituals often serve to transmit cultural values and beliefs within a community, ensuring continuity and collective memory. They can provide comfort and support during significant life changes, emphasizing the idea that individuals are part of a larger tradition and community.

The other choices do not fully align with the primary purposes of religious rituals. While entertainment may occur as part of a gathering, it is not a core purpose of religious practices. Furthermore, while some rituals may highlight differences between faiths, the overarching intent is often to promote understanding and community among followers rather than to create divisions. Lastly, rituals fulfilling annual requirements might be important, but they do not encompass the broader function that rituals serve in strengthening community relationships and marking significant life events.