ABSTRACT
Thus, in developing rituals, it is always a question of balance between the inherited ritual patterns and new developments. In the historical development of rites, the different place of anointing in the Eastern rites might be explained by different bathing etiquettes in the Mediterranean areas. In other words, rite was impacted by culture. As baptismal rites continue to develop and ‘mutate’, culture might well figure in such developments. By way of conclusion, I would like to offer reflections on three ‘cultural’ expressions.
