The four books in this series look at the rites of passage which help to guide people from one stage of their lives to the next. In each of the world's six major religions, these important times are marked by special ceremonies, rituals and customs. They also give people the chance to share their joys or sorrows, whether in celebrating a baby's birth, the change from child to adult, a wedding, or in marking and remembering a person's death.

This book looks at how people from the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths welcome a new-born baby in the world, including naming ceremonies, casting horoscopes, giving gifts, and saying special prayers and blessings. You can find out about some very special birthdays; how a Sikh baby's name is chosen from the sacred text; why a Muslim baby's hair is shaven off; why a Jewish father pays five shekels to the synagogue, and much more.