Stages of Rite of Passage

Social life involves fundamental changes from one identity to another, marked by a ceremony or series of events called rite of passage, in which the individual is permanently promoted to a new social identity (Haviland, Prins, Walrath & McBride, 2015). Examples of rites of passage include birth, baptism, marriage, and graduation, among others (Rites of Passage, 2015). I will discuss the initiation from boyhood to manhood, this being a crucial initiation in society holds manhood in high esteem and as a great responsibility, and therefore it is every boy’s innate aspiration to become a man. In all rites of passage there are three common stages namely, separation, transition and adoption.

The first stage, separation, is the severance of the person from the old familiar environment in preparation for a new social status. The mode of ushering candidates into separation is often abrupt, unceremonious and a tad crude (Haviland, Prins, Walrath & McBride, 2015). In separation stage candidates undergo periods of confusion, testing and education, which may include elements of self-torture, acts of valor, lone journey, or partaking in a fierce fight (Rites of Passage, 2015). For boys, separation starts when they lose their boy-child identity, usually upon attaining a certain age or physical transformation, and aspire to get a man’s identity. They separate themselves from society, reflect on their past, and ponder over the future, and at the same time begin to act tough, strong, sensible, controlled, and courageous (Haviland, Prins, Walrath & McBride, 2015). They acts of endurance or courage, such as undergoing circumcision, or engaging in duels with other boys or adversaries, while remaining secluded, reflective, and self-sacrificing (Rites of Passage, 2015). Despite much trepidation, they resolve to go through the rite and overcome any obstacles. Metaphorically, the old self and old ways die in order to prepare the new man.

The second stage, transition or threshold, is a state of suspension between the old and the new identity. The old identity is violently or abruptly banished forever (Rites of Passage, 2015). A boy does not yet fully understand the ways of manhood status, but instead he faithfully follows the age-old customs, wisdom and guidance of his people to attain manhood. He wears different clothes, adopts new styles and looks (Haviland, Prins, Walrath & McBride, 2015). He also becomes very spiritual, individualistic, aloof, courageous, simple, moral, and embraces fasting, hardships and trials. Candidates engage in a spiritual quest that connects them to their ancestral spirits, and Mother Nature, and they draw strength from their inner soul, until they are eventually ready to face the painful switchover or rebirth.

Adoption or integration or incorporation is the stage in which the now qualified person comes out of their isolation with a new vision, attitude, mental complex, and most of all, new status in society, just like a victorious warrior returning from battle. Society receives the new person with gifts, celebration, and a cultural or religious induction ceremony (Rites of Passage, 2015). The graduation, accompanied by ceremonial gab that symbolizes rebirth, is done for all society and from then on, much is expected of the new person (Haviland, Prins, Walrath & McBride, 2015).. For example, the boy who went into separation comes out as a man who is strong, courageous, sage, calm, helpful, confident, and all that goes with manliness.

            As described already, a rite of passage is a process of transformation that confers a new social status to the individual. All persons undergo several rites of passage in their lifetime as a sign of maturity and honor. There are different kinds of rites of passage, which follow a particular order of occurrence. It is orderly, profound in nature, and symbolizes graceful maturity that conforms to societal expectations and mentorship. In a successful rite of passage the new person earns respect from society and family, and can lead their peers.

Works Cited

Haviland, W., Prins, H., Walrath, D., & McBride, B. (2015). The Essence of Anthropology (3rd ed.). Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books?id=UK1TShZSOaMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Essence+of+Anthropology&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimmuqClrPJAhWIO4gKHa_aBTEQ6AEILTAC

Rites of Passage,. (2015). Ceremonial Rites of Passage | Main | Home. Retrieved 28 November 2015, from http://www.ritesofpassagevisionquest.org/ceremonial-rites-of-passage.html