Rites of Passage

Paper Summary:

This paper studies these traditions for both boys and girls in these cultures. Both are compared for their similarities in symbolism yet differences in practice. Both follow the same three phases: Separation, transition, and worldly return.

From the Paper:

"The indigenous cultures of the past have always held a great regard for the traditional and superstitious. Elaborate rituals are associated with each aspect of life and the people celebrate these rituals as a community. The community being patriarchal in most circumstances the dominance of the male hierarchy is clearly seen and that the rituals are associated then with the male gender is no surprise. Yet, today, we are fascinated with what to the generations of the past was a common issue. Researchers have taken the time to separately understand the ceremonies associated with the cultures and none is as elaborate as the rites of passage as the adolescents---especially the male---enters adulthood. Around the world the transition is celebrated with fervor amongst the different cultures, and though today forgotten, its importance is still acknowledged amongst the remaining indigenous communities of the past."

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