I'm not 'railing'.. I'm just expressing my opinion of the linguistics.

Words carry emotive power. "Ritual" feels, at least in my experience, to indicate psychological intensity. 'Routine' is closer to what I'd call it. Of course it has some standard preparations and details, and 'some' of those who participate may be 'cold-blooded' in their attitude.

*shrug* euphemisms come in many flavors.
I have no doubt that opposition to the practice is likely to cause one to choose 'stronger' terms. So, because I am only 97.2385% opposed, I pick more restrained words.

'nuff said..