1. Rites of Passage
HSP3UC – Fall 2016

2. Rites of Passage
“We are born, grow, become adult, marry and die. At the end of these points there is a breaking with the old, stable ways of life, and then we experience an opening into a world of greater awareness for a time, whether of spiritual things or simply unfamiliar possibilities.”
Edith Turner, Anthropologist, University of Virginia

3. Your Opinion Matters:
Do you think a ceremony is helpful in life transitions, such as birth or death?

4. Did you know?
In Burgos Spain a man jumps over newborns. It is thought that with the safe landing of the man, the child will pass safely through to childhood

5. Also………
Orthodox Jewish Boys- At age 3 they get their first hair cut. All the hair is cut by parents and friends and only side locks are left (peyote). This signifies the baby changing to a boy

6. Rite of Passage
A ceremony, ritual or event that marks an individual’s passage from one stage to another.

7. Adolescence Vanuatu Boys (Brazil) dive from 50 ft towers
with elastic vines tied to their feet that are
just long enough to stop them from crashing
into the ground

8. Your Opinion Matters:
In your opinion, which rite of passage is the most important for Canadians? Are there different rites of passage for the transition to adolescence and to adulthood? Should rites of passage occur in a specific order? Why or why not?

9. What is Scarification? HINTS it happens in Africa
Explore what the purpose is…..

10. Female Genital Circumcision (Clitoridectomy)- The partial or total cutting away of the female genitalia. Practiced for centuries in parts of Africa, as a way of preparing females for womanhood and marriage.
In some cultures, women are considered unfit for marriage if they are not circumcised
Still happening…..

11. Funeral Ceremonies
Canada – Few hours, close family and friends might be expected to mourn for more than a day.
Maori of New Zealand - ????? Explore
Judaism - ????? Explore

12. Clan Tattoos
Clan markings are another common ritual tattoo. Not only can you recognize your friends quickly, even in the frenzy of battle, but more importantly, your people are connected even beyond death.

13. Canadian Rites of Passage
Reaching puberty
Taking religious initiations (bar/bat mitzvah)
Going on a first date
Getting a driver’s license
Graduating high school
Drinking alcohol
Having the first sexual experience
Moving from one’s parents’ home
Graduating from postsecondary institution
Getting a job
Getting married
Buying own home
Having children

15. In other words…..
A three stage process: Rites of passage are all very different, but within each one there is a three stage process…
1. You are changed from what you were to something new
2. You remove yourself from society temporarily
3. You are re-admitted to society as a new person

16. What is Rumspringa?
In Amish Culture, before being considered an adult member of the Amish Community
Translates as “running around”
When Amish youth turns 16
Hasn’t been baptized, therefore not subject to rules
Go out on their own
Movie theatre, driving lessons, parties, sexual experiences
Ends when they agree to be baptized