Rites of Passage
Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society Reading Room
Rites of Passage are the ceremonies, rituals, and honorings that celebrate the individual and recognize their growth, and also provide the essential context and energetic "boost" in the individual's movement from one phase of life to the next - for example, the movement from being a boy to being a man.
These transitions occur, thanks to the miracle of life and physical maturation, whether we acknowledge them or not. However, through embracing and celebrating these times in our lives, we are deepening the process of physical maturation into emotional, mental and spiritual aspects, as well as acknowledging the individual's new role in the community.
The rites of passage acknowledge individuals for their beauty, talent and uniqueness. They signal transitions from one stage of life to another, and help the individual to answer the question, "Who am I?"
Rites of Passage ceremonies and celebrations are significant in many cultures (Bat Mitzvahs, Bar Mitzvahs and, in some churches, confirmation, are examples). Ceremonies exist for many different life stages (the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path's Rites of Passage ceremonies continue even beyond 100 years of age!).
Read more about Rites of Passage and the Sweet Medicine Sundance Path Rites of Passage ceremonies:
Rites of Passage and Life Changes
Rites of Passage: Life Transformations
A Personal Reflection of Rites of Passage
Rites of Passage Ceremonies
Rites of Passage: Anecdote for Boys in Crisis
What Are Rites of Passage?
Rites of Passage Experiences (written by adolescents)
Why Do We Need Rites of Passage?