Almost every religion contains some kind of process, called anointing. Quite simply, anointing refers to a procedure in the respective religions to introduce divine influence into the lives of their followers. Different terms are used in different religious denominations to describe anointment, like unction, baptism, christening, etc. Biblical anointment is referred to the ceremony in which the body of the anointed person is greased with the perfumed oil. The anointing agent can be different in other religions, but for Christianity, it is perfumed oil, known as Holy Bible Anointing Oil, that is commonly used. For instance, Hindus use cow milk or melted butter.

The Christian beliefs about anointing are radically different from those of the Jews. The Christians believe that the "anointed one", as referred to in several verses in the Bible, is the promised Messiah. According to the popular belief, Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by the Holy Spirit directly. But according to the Jewish Bible, whenever someone was anointed with the specific Holy Anointing Oil ceremony, the Spirit of God came upon this person to announce him or her as the executor of a God-given task.

The Anointing ceremony can be performed only by a person authorized by the judicatory. The procedure is fairly simple. First a small amount of oil (which is kept at room temperature) is placed in a container, usually a stubby metal container with a screw-on lid and a sponge to hold the oil. This is very special oil and must be purchased from one of a handful of genuine Anointing Oil dealers. Then the oil is consecrated just once. Bear in mind that this oil is dedicated for the sole purpose of anointing. Therefore, it is inappropriate to use it for any other purpose.

Then starts the ceremony, which can be summarized in the following steps:

The authorized person wets his thumb with the consecrated oil.

Then he draws a cross with his thumb in the middle of the forehead of the person to be anointed.

As he applies the oil, he says, "[Name of the person], I anoint you with oil in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Finally, the authorized person says the appropriate prayers associated with the anointing ceremony.