Police suspect that the crime was a gang 'initiation rite'. [=an act that someone must do in order to officially join a gang]
Incense is often burned in their religious 'rites'.
For many, going to college is a 'rite of passage'.
(..) commands us to begin the sacred ceremony! Bring forth the blade for the blood oath. Where blade meets flesh in this sacred rite... we pay tribute... to the sun god, Ra! Wait! Anubis! The god of death! (..)2014 Mr. Peabody & Sherman