Why do we need rituals?
Very simply, we don't.
So why have them?
Rituals help us to feel comfortable and safe, because we know what to expect. They give us a sense of security in our lives, and deviations can sometimes cause stress and confusion. When a ritual is repeated consistently, it becomes more of an automatic response than something that is consciously thought out. Many rituals are used to train submissives in how to better please their Masters, some rituals are just because it's fun. There are countless rituals out there, and a ritual can be done for any activity that warrants one, although some activities, like those done on a daily basis, just seem to beg for one. If you're going to have to do it, anyway, why not use it as a tool to further Y/your relationship? A properly performed ritual comes to be a source of bonding between Master and slave, whether it be as simple as shaving or as elaborate as a Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The rituals that Master and i perform on a regular or semi-regular basis are the Greeting Ritual, the collaring ritual, and the serving ritual. W/we also have extremely simple rituals before leaving the house together, and before going to bed.
The greeting ritual is quite simple. It is used when the collaring ritual is not appropriate. When i arrive at Master's house each day, usually after work, i put my things away and kneel by His chair with my head down. When He is ready to greet me, He lets me know, and W/we both focus our full attention on each O/other. W/we ask about each O/other's days, share exciting news, gripe if W/we need to...ok, it's usually only i who needs to gripe...and just in general say hello to each O/other. When He feels that W/we have finished, He kisses me on the forehead, and i know that i may ask for permission to do anything that i need or want to do, and He goes back to whatever He was doing.
The collaring ritual is used every time Master enters my home for the first time that day, and when we have been apart for more than an hour. i immediately locate my collar and kneel in front of Him. With the collar in my open palms, and my head bowed, i raise the collar to His reach and say, "Thank You for letting me serve You." Master then puts the collar around my neck, and then kisses me on the forehead. Once He kisses my forehead, i may then raise my eyes and greet Him more informally if i wish.
O/our serving ritual is similar to O/our collaring ritual, but with food, instead. After i have prepared the meal, i serve Master first. i kneel at His feet, lower my head, and present His food to Him. Once i have served His plate, i get His drink of choice, and whatever condiments He may need. Once He has let me know that everything is acceptable, i then get my plate and drink and sit by Him on the floor or in my slave seat. At all times, however, i remain alert so that if He finishes or needs a refill of His beverage, i am quick to serve again. i only have to present the very first plate, though.
i stand before Master and say, "i'm ready for inspection." Master looks me over, generally walks in a circle around me to check the back, as well (or He could be checking out my ass, who knows?). When He has decided that i am appropriately dressed and groomed, W/we are ready to leave.
i prepare for bed (washing face, brushing teeth, etc.) and kneel in front of Master and say, "i am ready for bed." It's not stated in the rules as such, but it has become part of the ritual that Master will tuck me into bed with my blankie and teddy bear (who Master likes to point out is really a dog!) and then kiss me on the forehead before leaving.