Throughout human history, people have developed traditional behaviors to mark specific times of change or transition in both the natural world andtheir own lives. These practices, although expressed in different ways in different cultures, connect with deep concerns shared by all human groups, including: the passage of time from one year to the next; the changing seasons; occurrences on earth and/or in the sky (such as earthquakes or eclipses). There are also transitional rituals linked to different stages in human lives, including birthdays, coming-of-age events, marriages, initiations, graduations, and death/burial events.
However: whether individual or more broadly focused, rites of passage are deeply symbolic and incorporate behaviors which highlight a leaving of the old, a period of transition (almost like standing on a threshold between two realms) and an incorporation into the new identity.
Rites of passage are often woven into the stories humans tell. Characters in myths and tales often experience their own transformations, sometimes enduring pain or going on long journeys to achieve certain goals, find answers to questions, or even to escape death itself.
Although you are not a mythic hero/heroine, you most likely have experienced your own rites of passage.
For this paper, you are going to investigate TWO (2) specific rites of passage in which you played a personal role – whether as a guest or organizer or as the one for whom the event was planned.
For each of those chosen rites, you will:
FIRST: Explain WHAT the occasion was and what sort of ceremony was used to mark that occasion – in other words, briefly summarize the event from start to finish, including stating what role you played and whether or not there were others there who watched and why they were (or were not) present.
SECOND: Using both the in-class information AND at least two (2) pre-approved outside academic research sources which focus on rites of passage, you are to discuss how the aspects of the ceremony you have just described relate to the aspects or characteristics of a rite of passage. Be thoughtful in your comments – do NOT just be descriptive. Try to understand and express the symbolism and meanings of parts/items in the ceremony (remember, these meanings are not always outwardly expressed during the rite). Think about manners of dress/costume, decorations, foods, gifts, songs and chants, use of special or new names or specific ritualized actions. Remember that details such as colors and shapes also may carry symbolic meaning and significance.
THIRD: Are you aware of similar ceremonies in other cultures or for other groups? You might want to look up the history of each ceremony you have chosen to learn the answer to this question. Once you find it, present that information in this paper. Remember to name the sources you used.
