We recently created a baptismal wear category to our collection and want to discuss how water immersion is a common practice in many religions, as it symbolizes purification, cleansing, and renewal. Water plays an important role in the rituals and beliefs of different faiths, especially for women. Here are some examples of how water immersion is used in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
In Christianity, water immersion is known as baptism, which is a sacrament that marks the initiation of a person into the Christian faith. Baptism is based on the example of Jesus, who was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). Baptism signifies the forgiveness of sins, the rebirth of the spirit, and the membership in the body of Christ. Baptism can be performed by sprinkling, pouring, or immersing water on the head or the whole body of the person. Baptism can be done at any age, depending on the denomination and tradition of the church. For women, baptism can be a way of expressing their faith, identity, and commitment to God.
In Judaism, water immersion is known as tevilah, which is a ritual that removes ritual impurity (tumah) and restores ritual purity (taharah). Tevilah is done in a mikveh, which is a pool of natural water that is connected to a living source of water, such as a spring or a river. Tevilah is required for various reasons, such as conversion to Judaism, preparation for certain religious occasions, or purification after contact with sources of impurity. For women, tevilah is especially important after menstruation (niddah) or childbirth (yoledet), as they are considered ritually impure during these times. Women must wait for a certain period of time after their bleeding stops before they can immerse in the mikveh. Before tevilah, women must remove all clothing and jewelry and clean their body thoroughly. Tevilah is done in privacy and with modesty.
In Islam, water immersion is known as wudu, which is a ritual that cleanses the body and soul before performing the daily prayers (salat). Wudu is based on the example of Muhammad, who washed his face, hands, arms, head, and feet before praying (Quran 5:6). Wudu signifies the purification of the heart, the intention, and the actions of the Muslim. Wudu can be done with any clean water, such as tap water or rainwater. Wudu involves washing certain parts of the body in a specific order and with a specific number of times. For women, wudu can be affected by menstruation (hayd) or postnatal bleeding (nifas), as they are exempted from praying during these times. Women must perform ghusl, which is a full body washing, after their bleeding ends before they can resume praying. Women can wear any clothing that covers their awrah (parts of the body that must be concealed) during wudu and ghusl.