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Rituals marking key life events, such as births and deaths, are probably among the oldest we know. Yet, says the writer Madeleine Bunting, during her own lifetime some of these rituals have changed enormously, becoming far more individualistic than they used to be. Others – in particular, those marking the transition to adulthood such as confirmation or bar mitzvah – are now only observed by a small minority and have not been widely replaced.

Taking in a West African perspective, Madeleine welcomes the demise of certain rituals – yet, she asks, does it mean that communities have also lost something precious?

This Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio 3 series explores aspects of ritual throughout this week, including public and private Christmas rituals, and asks what the Covid pandemic has taught us about their significance.

The series producer is Kristine Pommert for CTVC.