Baptism (noun)

1. A Christian rite of initiation, typically involving the pouring or immersion of water on a person's head, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the imparting of the Holy Spirit.
2. The act or ceremony of baptizing someone, or the state of being baptized.
3. Any of several similar rituals in other religions, such as the initiation rite in the Indian tradition of Jainism.

Origin:

From the late latin baptismus, from the greek βάπτισμα (báptisma), from βαπτίζω (baptízō, "to dip, immerse"). the term has been in use in english since the 15th century.

Examples:

1. The baby's baptism was an important event for the family and was attended by many relatives.
2. The baptism was a joyous occasion, filled with music and prayers.
3. The baptismal font was a large stone basin filled with holy water.
4. The young couple decided to have their child baptized in the church where they were married.
5. The bishop performed the baptism, placing his hand on the baby's head and speaking the words of the sacrament.