The term, Rites of Passage, is
a comprehensive term signaling the completion of one stage of life and the
passage into another. A Rite of Passage is a set form or
system of rites practiced by people in observance of special events which
happen in life. These practices may or may not be religious, but all
humans, universally, acknowledge the cycle of life in which we are all
participants. These are occasions, which we share with family and
friends. Whether joyous or sad, we take time out from our daily
lives to honor people and happenings. All rites of passage express
the particular tradition and culture of an ethnic group.
Cardinal Law's Column on Baptism
reflecting upon the meaning of Baptism. Published in the Pilot
October 27, 1997.
A
Nigerian Yourba Naming Ceremony in the Washington DC Area A naming
ceremony in the Yourba tradition celebrates the joyful and peaceful
arrival of a child to the family.
Bar
Mitzvah Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the Hebrew phrase for
coming of age. At this time, one becomes responsible for one's own
actions and for fulfilling religious obligations. This is a personal
narrative on Bar Mitzvah.
Vision
Quest: Crying for a Vision Native American boys and girls
leave behind their carefree years of "learning while playing"
when they are between ten and twelve years of age. Then they are
initiated into adulthood with elaborate rituals, week-long religious
ceremonies and public announcements.
Vivaha:
A Hindu Marriage Marriage is a new beginning for two people and
is celebrated at a ceremony called a wedding. The custom of choosing
a person to marry varies from culture to culture. It is usual for
Hindus and Moslems to have arranged marriages. Promises in a Hindu
marriage are made before God, who is believed to be present in the form of
a special fire.
A Christian Marriage
At a Christian wedding, various
customs show that the bride and groom are making an agreement to care for
each other. They agree to share the ups and downs of life
together. Certain words are said and promises are made. Rings
may be exchanged, scarves may be used to join the couple, hands may be
held or agreements may be signed as part of the ceremony. For people
who have a religious ceremony, these customs are made sacred because they
believe that their god is present to bless the marriage.
Buddhist:
Ceremonies and Funeral Rites for the Dead In some religions, there
is a belief that a person's soul will come back to earth in another form
and live inside another body. Buddhists believe that, most often,
the soul goes on into another life after death. When a soul has
reached nirvana, which is a state of being where there are no
longer any desire, hatred, or greed, then he or she will have reached the
end of the cycle of rebirth.
Islam:
Preparation of the Deceased and Janazah Prayers In some religions,
there is the belief that our soul exists beyond our physical death and
will rise and live again. Christians, Muslims, and some Jewish sects
believe that the dead will come back to a spiritual life with God.
In these religions, there is a belief that people live only one life here
on earth.
Rites of Passage Sites (Supplemental)
Yoruba Naming Ceremony This lesson plans further explains the symbolism in the Naming Ceremony.
Hindu Marriage Ceremony The significance of rituals in a Hindu wedding ceremony
Coming of Age in Other Cultures Coming of Age for Navajo, Amazon, Masaai, Aruntas, and Japanese peoples
Rites of Passage in Korea Includes links to Birth, Marriage, Coming of Age, Sixtieth Birthday and Funeral rituals. Korean rituals are influenced by Confucius and Chinese Culture.
Yoruba Rites Ceremonies at Birth, Marriage and Death
Questions or comments? Email mcinelli@attleboroschools.com