Rites
Of
Passage
And
Coming Of Age
Of
Passage
And
Coming Of Age
There seems to have always been Rites of Passage Ceremonies from
earliest times, in one form or another. Young men were counted as
warriors in the community when they killed an enemy or brought home
an animal for food. This was emphasized in Native American
cultures, also, and many celebrations occurred in these circumstances.
Females had their own rituals and rites based on their first menses and
pregnancy.
Most religions had some sort of ceremony that marked the transition
from child to adult. The Catholic Church still has Confirmation rites.
The Jewish culture has a Bar Mitzvah for the 13 year old boys as
they then become considered an adult and personally responsibly for
their own deeds---spiritually, ethically and morally, and must now
observe the commandments and take part in religious services.
There is a corresponding ceremony called the Bat Mitzvah for
Jewish females at age 12. They cannot take part in the religious
services as the males do but they have their own rituals as they are
considered equal but separate in Jewish culture.
The Spanish culture has a rite called Quinceara for 15 year old girls
that mark their transition from child to young woman. she becomes a
"Princess" for a day complete with a beautiful gown, tiara, her first
high heels and her own Court. This is similar to the American Sweet
Sixteen party. For the Quinceara there is a ceremony consisting of a
Catholic Mass, special prayers and then a big party. There is also a
Protestant version of this for young women of 15-16. And it can be
adapted for young men, also, to mark their transition into adulthood.
American culture leans more toward yearly birthday parties and giving
of cars or trips at age 16-18 but Rites of Passage ceremonies are
slowly becoming more common with InterFaith Ministers or
Celebrants presiding and giving special prayers and blessings.
These are actually Ceremonies of Beginnings.
The first of these would be a Baby Blessing or Name Giving which
formally names a child and welcomes him into the family.
Then of course the yearly birthday parties which honor the child.(and
sometimes the child within us as many adults celebrate their birthdays,
also.)
The transition from child to adolescent at age 12--14 can be a very
confusing time for everyone. A Coming of Age Ceremony adds a
strong bond of security, letting the youth know that stepping over the
threshold into adolescence is an important step towards adulthood and
that they will be supported, encouraged and loved by their family and
friends.
By using the form of ceremony and symbolic gestures the youth feels a
strong circle of loved ones they can depend on to guide them gracefully
through adolescence. Rev. Mary's moving ceremony delights the youth
and all participants to find life's passages more meaningful and gain a
sense of family and safety that the combined energy provides.
This can also be a time to celebrate the onset of menses in a girl on her
way to Womanhood.
The Emerging Woman can be a Quinceara at age 15 or a Sweet
Sixteen party and it can be used to mark other important transitions,
also, like leaving home for college or a new job.
The Emerging Man can mark the same transition for a youth who is
growing into adulthood and accepting new responsibilities.
Weddings, Vow Renewals, Anniversaries and Blessing a New
Home are all Ceremonies of Beginnings.
Ceremonies For Endings:
Miscarriages:
Honors the loss of the unborn child and the grief of the parents, giving
them support and validity.
Releasing Relationships:
Honors the past relationship and supports a forward movement
Divorce:
Honors the ending of a marriage and the beginning of a new life as a
single man or woman.
Memorials and Funerals:
Honors and pays tribute to one who has crossed over into the World of
Spirit.
Deceased Pet:
Honors the life of a beloved animal and pays tribute to the joy he/she
brought.
Ceremonies of the Divine Feminine:
Dedication;
Provides participants an opportunity to commit themselves in a
ceremonial way to their chosen life, work or path.
Maiden:
This corresponds to the Ceremony of her First Menses
.
Mother:
A Ceremony that honors pregnancy and Motherhood
Wise Woman:
A ceremony that honors the Woman who has passed beyond
childbearing years and a celebration as she moves into the realm of
Wise Elder.
Lunar Cycle Ceremonies:
Dark Moon:
The work of a New or Dark Moon is focused on planting the seeds of
your Life that will be harvested at the Full Moon.
Full Moon:
A time to ask for blessings and enjoy the benefits of what was planted
at the time of the New Moon.--a time of celebration and gratitude.
Other Transitions
New Home
Becoming Parents
The Empty Nest----when all the children are grown
Becoming Grandparents
Retirement
Recovery from an Illness
Engagements
Weddings
Anniversaries
Vow Renewals
Special Ceremonies can be held for all these transitions.
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