Which activity is characterized as being performed in a solemn and prescribed manner?

The activity characterized as being performed in a solemn and prescribed manner is a rite. Rites are formal acts or ceremonies that often hold significant meaning and are carried out according to specific procedures. They are typically associated with important life events such as births, marriages, and funerals, and they often invoke a sense of reverence and solemnity.

While a celebration can involve joy and festivity, it does not typically carry the same formal or solemn connotations as a rite. A ritual also encompasses prescribed actions but is usually more focused on symbolic gestures or practices, which might not always convey the solemnity associated with a rite. Tradition, on the other hand, refers to customs and practices that are passed down through generations and may or may not be performed in a solemn manner.

In summary, a rite is distinctive for its solemnity and structured execution, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.