Meanings of honoured ritual in English

She had heard the potent summons of her old, time- honoured ritual.

But I knew by the respective attitudes that the time- honoured ritual was being observed strictly by both parties.

It's as though I am taking part in some time- honoured ritual in which both sides know each other's moves.

But here Mary-still pursuing the time-honouredritual of shutting up-enteredcandle in hand, the landing showing brightly lit behind her.