'ceremonial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'caerimonialis,' where 'caerimonia' meant 'religious rite.'

'caerimonialis' transformed into the Old French word 'ceremonial,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ceremonial' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to religious rites,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to formal events.'