Baptism is a religious ceremony that symbolizes a person's initiation into a faith community. It often involves the use of water, which can be applied through immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. This act represents purification, spiritual rebirth, and the washing away of sins, making it a significant ritual in many religions, particularly in Christianity. In Christianity, baptism is typically performed on infants or new believers and is seen as a commandment from Jesus. Different denominations have varying beliefs about the significance and method of baptism, but it generally serves as a public declaration of faith and commitment to the teachings of Christ.