A sacrament is a religious ceremony or rite that is considered to be an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace. In many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, there are specific rituals or ceremonies that are seen as sacred acts which can bring people closer to the divine. These rituals often involve the use of symbols, such as water in baptism or bread and wine in communion, which represent a deeper spiritual meaning. The word "sacrament" comes from the Latin word "sacramentum," which originally referred to an oath or promise made by soldiers to their commanders. Over time, the term came to be associated with religious ceremonies that were seen as binding people together in a sacred way.