ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Malabar rites

Hello! So, you want to know about Malabar Rites, huh? Well, Malabar Rites is a term that refers to the religious practices and traditions of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, which is a Christian church located in India.

Now, let's break it down a bit more. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one of the major Christian denominations in India, and it was founded by St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have spread Christianity to South India in the first century. Malabar Rites specifically refers to the liturgical practices and customs of this church.

These practices are based on the liturgy, which is basically the set of rituals and ceremonies used in religious worship. The Malabar Rites include things like prayers, chants, and the use of incense and holy water during services. These practices are important to the members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church because they help them connect with God and feel a sense of community with other members.

It's also worth noting that the Malabar Rites have been the subject of controversy in the past. This is because some people have criticized the practices as being too "Eastern" or "non-Catholic," since they differ somewhat from the more "traditional" Catholic practices found in Europe and elsewhere. However, most members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church believe that these practices are an important part of their culture and should be preserved.

So, there you have it! Malabar Rites are the religious practices and traditions of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in India. They include things like prayers, chants, and the use of incense and holy water during services, and they are very important to the members of this church.