'ceremonialism' originates from Modern English, specifically from the adjective 'ceremonial' combined with the suffix '-ism', where 'ceremonial' ultimately traces back to Latin 'ceremonia' meaning 'religious rite'.

'ceremonial' changed from Latin 'ceremonia' into Old French 'ceremonie' and then into Middle/Modern English as 'ceremonial'; the modern English noun 'ceremonialism' was formed by adding the suffix '-ism' to denote a practice or doctrine.

Initially the root 'ceremonia' referred to a specific religious rite or formal observance; over time 'ceremonialism' came to mean both the practice of observing ceremonies and, by extension, an excessive emphasis on ritual or formality.