The chocolates embraced violence and its tools as familiar and comforting rituals.

Devata, a Long Island-based manufacturer, recommends wearing the string while chanting a mantra for each of the 108 beads - a comforting, if time-consuming ritual.

The exchange was a comforting ritual: "Chee-vli."

Early morning tea with Mma Makutsi was a comforting ritual, but it was also useful from the professional point of view.

It was a comforting ritual, especially now that they were close to the end.

It was disturbing to realize, too, that I was to be denied the comforting ritual that accompanied my mother's cremation.

THIS time of year, knowing that the comforting rituals of autumn are just around the corner is the only thing that gives me strength to go on.

The herbal products are said to provide the comforting ritual of smoking or chewing while the craving for nicotine ebbs.