samskaras

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In Hindu tradition, the sacraments that mark the passage of life, each marked by a ceremony. Samskaras are mainly observed by high-caste Hindus. The numbers celebrated vary, and may be marked in different ways by different castes, or in different places. The chief samskaras include conception, blessing the child during pregnancy at three months and eight months, the birth ceremony, name-giving, first leaving of the house, receiving the first solid food, ear-piercing, shaving the head, initiation with a guru (teacher), receiving the sacred thread and second shaving of the head, marriage, becoming a guru or hermit, becoming a holy man or sadhu, death, and cremation.

The bison's head, star, rose, and crescent are traditional symbols of Moldavia. The colours are based on the Romanian flag. Effective date: 3 November 1990. >>