Rites of Passage: The Journey to Adulthood

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Recommended: Adolescence is culturally constructed

Rites of Passage: The Journey to Adulthood The dictionary defines rites of passage as ceremonies that mark important transitional periods in a person’s life. It usually involves rituals and teachings that help shed their old roles and prepares them for their new roles. Although all boys and girls will go through a rite of passage to be considered an adult, the path they will take will differ greatly. The common point I have found them all to have is the age range at which this usually occurs, which is between 13 and 16. Some will have to endure task while some participate in celebrations. Some are extremely dangerous in nature while others are less formal and less challenging. All of them require preparations and learning rituals, languages, or dance. I will focus on the puberty phase and how different cultures mark this transition. Our reading states that rites of passage are changes that occur in our lifecycle (Crapo, 2013). These include births, puberty, marriage, and death with many changes happening between those times. Some people look forward to a hunting trip, going away to summer camp, or just gaining more independence as a rite of passage. I can remember looking forward to a few changes as I grew older: starting first grade, turning 13 and 16, learning to drive and getting my license, graduating high school, and starting out on my own. I wish I can say it was an easy ride but life is meant to have challenges. Every obstacle that I faced has helped shape me into the person I am today. In the Brazilian Amazon, the young men of the Xicrin tribe observe a rite of passage to prove their manhood and gain the right to be called warriors. The young females take on the nurturing role. They help prepare the feast ... ... middle of paper ... ... do more in the home. They must learn how to take care of a family and maintain the household. Either way, all cultures have special times to look forward too. Embrace what makes your culture unique and enjoy reaching those milestones. Works Cited Crapo, R. H. (2013) Cultural Anthropology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. Cunningham, P. (2004). A Particularly Painful Rite of Passage. Geographical. April, 2004, Vol. 76 Issue 4, pg50. Bridges, P. (2001). La Quinceanera: A Hispanic Folk Custom. A Texas Folklore Odyssey, pg154-163. Mail, A.S. (1997). An Exploration of the Impact of the Israel Experience upon Bar/Bat Mitzvah Students: Rites of Passage for Progressive Jewish Teenagers. Journal of Progressive Judaism. Nov97, Issue 9, pg59-82. Peterson, J.W. (2001). Honoring the Adolescent. Encounter. Winter 2011,Vol 24, Issue 4, pg30-33.

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