Talk about an absurd and downright hateful religious ritual or belief; it is Kaparot.

Kaparot is a Jewish ritual whereby a live chicken is twirled around a person's head while praying the following: "This is my exchange, this is my substitute, this is my atonement. This chicken will go to its death while I will enter and proceed to a good long life, and peace." Then the chicken is slaughtered and it (or its cash value) is given to the poor.

Apparently the belief is that the person's sins are transferred to the chicken. This seems similar to the idea that Jesus cast out demons into swine. In both cases, then the animals lose their lives. I do not know where to begin in saying how rediculous this practice is.