Answer

Rite of Passage

The term “rite of passage” refers to historical events that mark the passing of a person from one sexual or social status to another. Rites of passage vary from community to community and are widely accepted by the communities within which they exist (Forth, 2017). A rite of passage is marked when an individual reaches a significant point in their life which requires certain change and is often marked with certain ceremonies to observe the individual’s entry into the new phase of their life (Miller, 2018). Rites of passage need not be complicated – they can include anything from birth, graduation, and even funerals. There are three main phases of rite of passage; separation, transition and incorporation.

Separation is the first phase of any rite of passage. An individual is separated from their current environment, role or routine and is confronted with a new environment, role or routine which the individual must adjust to (Forth, 2018). Birth is an example of separation. During birth, the fetus is separated from the mother’s womb and brought into the real world which is entirely different from the safe and comfortable existence it was used to in the womb. Death is also an example of separation particularly for individuals who believe in the afterlife (Forth, 2018). Different societies all over the world mark birth as a rite of passage by naming the newborn just as death is marked by holding a funeral for the deceased.

The second phase of rite of passage is transition. Here, the individual learns and adopts behavior that suits their new stage (Forth, 2018). An example of transition is engagement. In most societies, an engagement is marked by a proposal, a ring and/or an engagement party. A person who is engaged prepares to enter marriage and this requires making some adjustments in their behavior or lifestyle as they are about to build a life with another person. Adolescence is also a transition phase because it prepares the teenager for adulthood. The individual has to leave their childlike nature behind and learn how to be independent and navigate the real world.

The third phase is known as incorporation. It is whereby the individual is finally accepted into the new stage of their life. Marriage is one such example. In marriage, such ceremonies as dowry payment, weddings and moving in together are used to mark this stage. An individual undergoes several steps before they are married – from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, dating, engagement and finally marriage. All these steps directly and indirectly prepare the person for marriage.

Conclusion

Rites of passage are a natural part of human life. Every society recognizes certain rites of passage and mark these rites in unique ways that are passed on from one generation to the next. A person must go through separation, transition and finally incorporation in order to complete their full rites of passage.