Rituals (5)
I believe the answer is:
rites
'rituals' is the definition.
('rite' can be a synonym of 'ritual')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for rites that I've seen before include "Ceremonial observances" , "Rituals" , "Customary observances, religious say" , "Prescribed religious ceremonies" , "Formal ceremonial procedures" .)