Bizarre Rites of Passage

After discussing different rites of passage in class on Tuesday, I grew curious. Americans are familiar with rites of passage such as baptism, Sweet 16 birthdays, graduation, marriage, retirement, and funerals to name a few. But what about other cultures? Sure, many people celebrate Bar Mitzvahs and Quinceaneras, but what about rites of passage from secluded areas of the world?

The book* defines rites of passage as "rituals we perform to mark a change in social status" (Solomon, 539). One of the most important rites of passages, especially in tribal communities, is becoming an adult. Generally speaking, but not always, becoming a man has more painful traditional rituals than becoming a woman. So I set out to find some interesting and unexpectedly painful rituals performed for making the transition from boy to man.

After watching this video and reading a little bit more about some bizarre rites of passage, I was not disgusted nor did I think that the rituals were outdated. I was actually envious. I know, why would I be envious? I surely don't wish that I had to endure that kind of pain to transition to womanhood. I was envious because I found it so cool (for lack of a better word) that these people keep in touch with their cultural roots and value the rituals and their meaning above all else.

The book* talks about a common "becoming an adult" rite of passage in the United States when one transitions from high school to college. It contains the three stages where at first, you disassociate yourself with high school. Then, you go to college and are a lost puppy trying to adjust to your new lifestyle and surroundings. Lastly, you come home a "cocky college 'veteran' " (Solomon 539). Many of my rites of passage are comparable to a Hallmark Holiday. Yes, graduating and moving onto college is great - but so many of us just cash in on graduation cards sent to us from people we see maybe once a year and we relish the attention that we receive at our grad party. It's just another day for people to spend money. Perhaps its importance seems less significant because the transition from high school to college is [fortunately] one that so many others do. Similarly, milestones like birthdays and marriage seem like their true meaning is often clouded by money and gifts that one receives as a result.

All in all, we are more than fortunate to have the opportunities that we Americans enjoy. However, I think many of us have lost touch with our roots and the cultural rituals that many indigenous people still display today. Maybe marketing is to blame for transforming the modern traditions and rituals for many of our rites of passage. Or maybe.....

*Consumer Behavior: Buying, Having, and Being by Michael R. Solomon