Rites Of Passage Essay: There are several terms that we come across in our daily life but very truly we do not know what they actually mean. The same is the case of rites to passage. It’s a phrase that we hear sometimes but are not aware of. So our first task is to understand the term first; then we will be able to explain them or get a clear concept about it. The phrase ‘rites to passage’ signifies any ceremony which brings about a change in the life of a person or collectively to a group. Some examples will clear the doubt more specifically. For example, baptism, marriage, and graduation ceremony at college are some to be mentioned to form an idea about rites to passage.
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Long Essay on Rites of Passage 600 Words in English
The Purpose Behind The Rites Of Passage
It is evident that everything has a purpose behind it. So rites of passage also have some motives which are quite important. In our society, it helps in social mobility. Social mobilization is very important for progress and change in society hence there is a need for rites of passage. From very ancient times we have noticed that change is inevitable. A society that is stagnant cannot progress with time and if there is no chance it hampers the growth of all the individuals in the society.
Four Basic Rites Of Passage
The four major basic rites of passage that we mainly discuss are birth, the transformation from childhood to adolescence, leaving home for various reasons, and marriage. These are the major transformations in life hence mobility is quite high in these situations. As discussed earlier, when a total transformation takes place in an individual or a group of people we call it rites of passage. All the situations mentioned above are stages of transformation in the lives of people.
Rites Of Passage Bring A Sense Of Belonging
To justify rites of passage we must notice the fact that these particular changes in an individual’s life bring back a sense of belonging. If we take the case of baptism we can definitely say how a person changes himself with these ceremonies. The ceremonies are quite elaborate to bring to notice all those significant changes in a person’s life. Even marriage is such an institution where a group of people is involved in the entire process. New life, new relationships, and new responsibilities bring about huge changes in life. Henceforth it is seen that an individual starts to bring new changes to this new phase of life.
A Sacred Feeling And A Sense Of Change Is Also Noticed
As an individual passes from one phase of life to another they go through various rituals, ceremonies, and dresses related to that particular situation. Through these situations, a child learns to respect each and every ritual and procedure which connects them with spirituality and sacred feeling. The change in the person is quite evident as they transform into a new phase of life. The rites of passage help a child to gain a sense of deeper awareness of the changes that go on in their life but at the same time, they can also connect with the continuity of their present life and community too.
Conclusion
Society is quite complex with various processes going on simultaneously. They teach lots of things – to adjust, to accept changes and in this way the continuity of life proceeds. But all these are necessary in the life of an individual to survive in the world. Nothing in this world has existed without any reason so do rites of passage. The existence of rites of passage is very much important for us.
Short Essay On Rites Of Passage
Life is a journey from birth to death and in this entire process, a lot of changes and transformation take place. Life is not very easy going, rather full of complexities. Various changes take place at various points of life. To keep on moving by embracing these changes are rites of passage. Rites of passage are the various ceremonies that are celebrated to mark a change in an individual’s life or a community.
The History Behind Rites Of Passage
It’s been observed that ceremonies are a very important part of human life. From ancient times any important changes in a person’s life are announced through the ceremonies. So rites of passage mark a significant change in the life of a person which can easily be celebrated through a ceremonial procedure. In the historical era mass media or social media did not take over the social issues so how do these rites of passage could be informed in society? Ceremonies helped to mark the changes that were informed to the people in the community.
Types Of Rites Of Passage
Rites of passage are diverse and are found among all the cultures throughout the world. Each culture celebrates rites of passage in its ways. But the thing that is common to all is it marks a change in the life of an individual or group and is announced through a ceremony. In addition to ceremonies and rituals, another category of rites of passage has been identified as those based on a particular time in rites of passage. For example, the celestial events are associated with moons like the new moon, full moon, New Year, winter and summer solstice, and the autumn and spring equinox. These are some occasions that are considered auspicious to execute the rites of passage.
Conclusion
For years, society has been accepting the rites of passage as an important juncture of one’s life that embarks on a new journey. The changes due to rites of passage are mostly apparent but sometimes bring transformations in the inner beliefs and thought processes also. It gives a new outlook on the world around us.
FAQ’s on Rites Of Passage Essay
Question 1.
What are the four basic rites of passage?
Answer:
The basic rites of passage are birth, the transformation from childhood to adolescence, leaving home for various reasons, and marriage.
Question 2.
How do ceremonies become an integral part of rites of passage?
Answer:
In ancient times ceremonies were organized to mark the rites of passage and make people aware of the changes happening in anyone’s life, as there was no media or other way of communication.
Question 3.
Why are rites of passage important for society?
Answer:
Social mobilization is very important for progress in society hence there is a need for rites of passage.
Question 4.
How does a graduation ceremony follow rites of passage?
Answer:
A graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new phase of life for students with exposure to new opportunities and interactions, hence bringing significant changes that support the concept of rites of passage.