Lesson- Rites of Passage

Teacher notes

• Tell students to bring their textbook• Bring large paper• Print out handout ‘rites of passage’• Prep videos ‘rights of passage’ and ‘suffering a

thousand cuts’• Tell students weaker in English to read the

article before class to ensure they translate required vocabulary before class

Agenda

Aim: Analyze rites of passage of different societies

• Notes- 5 min• Videos (2)- 5 min• Notes- 10 min• Reading, questions, discussion- 25 min• Creating your own rites of passage,

discussion- 20 min

The Transition to Adulthood

• Becoming an adult is part of a gradual process. This process will begin in the later years of adolescence and will end when you are an adult in…

1) own eyes2) in the eyes of your parents3) the law4) the society in which you live

Transition into adulthood- rites of passage

• The transition into adulthood is seen as an important stage in life

• Because of this all known human societies have created rituals that mark this special event. These rituals are called rites of passage.

Rites of Passage

• A rite of passage is something that marks an important change in one's life.

• Rites of passage are ceremonies that mark a person’s progress from one role, phase of life or social status, to another

Videos

1) Rites of Passage 2) Suffering a thousand cuts

Thinking question:What is different about these rites of passage compared to rites of passage you have experienced? Discuss any similarities?

Most cultures consider the important transitions to be:

1. Birth2. Beginning of puberty 3. Marriage4. Death

Rites of passage in adolescence

• Happen in most cultures• Have existed throughout human history • May be a significant factor in the

development of a stable adult personality

A rite of passage usually involves one of some of the following:

• A separation from society • Preparation or instruction from an elder• A transition (in the case of adolescence, from

child to adult) *to be explained in next slides

Transition

• The transition itself most often takes place within the format of a ceremony, many aspects of which are common to widely diverse cultures

The transition generally includes:

• Literal and spiritual cleansing• Physical transformation• Offerings, prayers, and blessings• Traditional food and dress• Traditional musical instruments and songs

Reasons for Rites

• Social Scientist have identified many reasons behind their origins and why they still have a hold around the world.

– Relieve stress and help them understand growth– Help communities remain stable and unified– Entertainment value (public events)– Beneficial for the culture (events pass on the

traditions or moral values); ensures continuity

Examples• In North America today, typical rites of

passage are often ceremonies surrounding events such as baptisms, bar mitzvahs, confirmations, school graduation ceremonies, prom, weddings, retirement parties, funerals, etc.

Sexual Maturity

• In many traditional cultures, rites of passage are used to mark and recognize the transition to sexual maturity.

• Eg. adolescent Circumcision (for boys), Clitoridectomy (for girls), Scarification (Some aboriginals from Australia, East Africa and Papua New Guinea), Quinceañera- celebrating daughter’s 15th bday (Spanish speaking regions of the Americas), Vision quest (Inuit and Native American Groups).

Vision Quest

• traditional Native American Vision Quest consists of a person spending one to four days and nights secluded in nature.

• a person can receive profound insight into themselves and the world

• relates directly to their purpose and destiny in life

Ethics - Rights of Passage Discussion

Ethics - Rights of Passage Discussion

Article

• http://www.marksdailyapple.com/do-we-need-rites-of-passage/#axzz2bMJ0y8sT

Questions:• In your opinion, do we still need rites of

passage? Why or why not?• Do you think the old rites of passage

traditionally and still used should be still used, or do we need entirely new ones that make sense in today’s world? Explain your answer.

Rites of Passage

• Considering the skills that people need to get by now a days what would be a good new rite of passage you could create for a child or adolescent of a specific age or level?

• Think about the various events that happen in life that could be seen as special, what celebrations should be had

• Use page 96 of the textbook to help you with ideas if you need

• There is large paper- create an awareness campaign and include visuals

Summary• All cultures celebrate rites of passage and the

transitions in life