Rites of Passage

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Rites of Passage
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Definition

• Ceremonies that mark a persons progress from one
  phase to another

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Rites

• Rites of passage occur in similar patterns across
  cultures because they correspond with important
  events in human life
• Birth
• Puberty
• Mating
• Reproduction
• Old age
• Death

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Rituals

• Ceremonial acts prescribed by tradition or
  religion that sets humans apart from other species

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A 3 Stage process

1. Segregation
2. Transition
3. Incorporation or Reintegration

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Segregation

• Person undergoing R.O.P. is separated from rest
  of society

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Transition

• Person going through R.O.P. is becoming his or
  her new self and learning the new role
• May be a mentor, guide, or instructor

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Incorporation and Reintegration

• Individual is reintegrated into society in their
  new role.

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Purpose of Rites

• For the individual
• Relieves stress
• Helps them understand growth
• For the culture
• Passes on traditions and religious or moral values

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Examples

• Quinceañera
• Mehendi Party
• Baby Shower
• Marriage
• Getting your drivers license
• funerals
• Rumspringa
• Circumscision
• Female Genital Mutiliation
• Scarification
• Australian Aboriginal walk
• Tatoos in Polynesian culture