Join us as we take a group of teenagers for a 10 day rites of passage & cultural experience in. While the coming of age ceremony of the Mandan tribe is a particularly gruesome example, peoples and cultures from prehistoric times onward created rites of passage to initiate boys into manhood. The Importance of African Rites of Passage, When the Murderer Wears a Badge; The psychological effect on the black community, African History; Not Taught in Western Classrooms, King Leopold II Should be Reviled as Stalin or Hitler; The Hidden African Holocaust, Byron Allen vs Comcast: The $20 Billion Lawsuit That Could Alter The 1866 Civil Rights Act rendering it Virtually Useless, Police Brutality; The Modern Form of Lynching, The Ancient Sumerians Were in Fact a Black Civilization, Black Doll, White Doll: The Racial Self Hate Test, African Disapora @ 2019 | Designed By Chuka Nduneseokwu. The Manhood Training Rites of Passage (MTROP) process is designed to nurture, develop, and empower the spirit, mind, and body of young men of the African Diaspora. From time immemorial, African communities have always marked the transition of a person’s life cycle from the day they are born to the day they die. Presented by Oriki Theater in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Eta Sigma Lambda Chapter  Now in its 18th year, Oriki Theater’s Rites of Passage program is a manhood training program that presents African American boys a clear path to manhood through a multi-layered approach that … The Maasai are arguably Africa's most famous tribe. Although some tribes still practice female genital mutilation, many have adopted new practices that are less harmful to girls. Search Unlike in many Western societies, where the boundary between childhood and adulthood is often blurred, traditional African rites of passage mark an unambiguous transition with an associated change of status, roles and responsibilities. The initiates are called “abakhwetham,” which means a learning group. He is also an avid blogger, political commentator and human rights crusader. On Dec. 11, 2019, the Council for Black Male Success and the Cultural Wellness Center held a Manhood Rites of Passage ceremony at the Minnesota … Photo Credit: Pinterest. First, the boys must give away everything that they own. The Rite of Birth is the first of the major African initiation rites and it involves initiating the infant into the world through a ritual and naming ceremony. Their rite of passage, called the okipa ceremony, basically came about when a bunch of them sat down to brainstorm the most horrible things that they could possibly do to a person. Traditionally all community members are involved in the naming ceremony because the child belongs to the community as a whole and thus responsible for its proper development and insertion within the society. societies believe when a person dies, this does not end all communication with It has been accepted for inclusion in Ed.D. In many Western cultures, the boundary between adulthood and childhood is viewed as a status upon arriving at a specific age as opposed to being related to a specific set of responsibilities within the society. The elders represent the wisdom and tradition of the past. This rite concerns the transition into the spirit world. Initiation Rites and Rituals in African Cosmology Prof. Paul Kyalo School of Humanities and Social Sciences Mount Kenya University P.O Box 342-01000, Thika Kenya Abstract This essay is an analysis of the rituals in African cosmology. We now see many of the problems common in western culture also emerging and becoming common amidst African people. In Africa, marriage is an important affair that many communities consider as an invaluable spiritual experience. The men's society, Egbe Akinkonju Male Rite's of Passage program at Oyotunji African Village consists of character building through a cultural understanding for young boys and men alike. Wodaabe women are allowed to marry more than one husband. Other communities believe that the spirits of the dead are always watching over them. I personally had no effective role models for manhood within my family as I grew up. The individual’s next rite of passage is the rite of adulthood. Girls who are ready to get married sit around and watch their potential mates cane one another into submission. After hard graft and heavy lifting (2015 - 2018) On the eve of Christmas 2018, The Manhood team lead by Davis Williams and Albert Mada took 14 teenage Londoners to West Africa, on a historic ‘Rites of Passage’ experience, where they went to experience the same thing as Davis, Makaylah and countless others, who have ~dipped their toes~ on Africa's fertile ground. Face2Face Africa is black owned and operated. Naming ceremonies vary widely among African ethnic groups. Traditionally African ethnic groups used a complex ceremonial system to convey cultural principals and ideology, as well as the facilitation of the adolescent to adulthood transition. In Namibia, the Himba people never leave the newborn child on its own or even put him or her down for fear that it may be stolen by some malicious spirits. ... a ritual in which they must leap over the backs of 20 to 40 bulls in order to demonstrate their manhood. I appreciate your efforts to continue to help with liberating our people! families. Contrarily African societies systematically initiate girls and boys. Rite of passage - Rite of passage - Initiation rites: The most prevalent of rites of initiation among societies of the world are those observed at puberty. MANifest is a workshop series modeled after a rites of passage process to guide young men towards their highest potential and power. First, the young men weren't allowed to eat, drink or sleep for four days, after which they had a … The men, who ranged from 11 to 27 years old, completed an 11-week cultural self-study … emulated. Land diving is done by tying vines to each ankle. The Wodaabe people of Niger avoid naming the child until his or her 12th birthday with the hopes that the child won’t be identified by the spirit of death. The African rite of passage provides the individual with the very foundation of his or her identity. Boys are signaled to begin their transition into manhood by first being separated from childhood roles and sometimes their parents (Baker, “Egbe Akokonrin Rites of Passage”). “Throughout my involvement with African American men of unity, for support for my special needs son. Rites of Passages have been a part of all societies, and has come to mean the journey a young person takes as they transition from adolescence into manhood. Unlike Western cultures that encourage individuals to find their own path in life by themselves, African cultures focus on building community through creating families. This rite marks the transition from childhood to manhood of boys in the … An older person has simply lived a longer life than most, but not deserving of high praise and respect due to the person’s life having not been a positive example within the community. It will deal with a comprehensive interpretation of ritual and their meaning or meanings. Elliott Payne. It has truly been a pleasurable experience that has lead up to a wonderful outcome. The Gambia (West Africa) They will learn about manhood, reconnect with their culture, bathe in their heritage & develop. married and had children. I had no clue what rites of passage … The missing element in African-American culture is the formal and structured ritual celebrating each boy’s passage into manhood. prepared for responsibilities in their communities as men, and females are The rite of passage of Ulwaluko, also known as Xhosa circumcision, is an age-old tradition practiced by the Xhosa people in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Generally, girls become women and are now ready to marry, while … Women who are beautiful, hardworking, and cheerful are often the first selected as wives. The focus Initiation Rites and Rituals in African Cosmology Prof. Paul Kyalo School of Humanities and Social Sciences Mount Kenya University P.O Box 342-01000, Thika Kenya Abstract This essay is an analysis of the rituals in African cosmology. The Akamba people name a child after 3 days. Photo Credit: Daily Uganda. Fredrick is a Kenyan journalist with years of experience in freelance writing. What is taboo for one culture is tradition for another. Cutting away the clitoris and labia in girls as young as seven to 15 years of age represents the centerpiece of this most important rite of passage in the life of a Maasai girl -- at least until a few years ago. MANifest is a workshop series modeled after a rites of passage process to guide young men towards their highest potential and power. Earl Hipp runs a blog about men, boys, male culture, mentoring, rites of passage, and men helping boys on their journey to manhood. the living. Impact Evaluation of a Rites of Passage Mentoring Program David Carl Floyd Olivet Nazarene University, dfloyd@live.olivet.edu This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Digital Commons @ Olivet. In Zambia, the Lunda people refer to the rite of passage as “mukanda.” It is considered the most powerful, awe-inspiring experience that every man must go through. Wohh exactly what I was looking for, thankyou for posting. communities. As African-Americans, both family and community gather together to celebrate the birth of a child, attend wedding ceremonies and funerals to show love, support and recognition of these significant stages of life. Here are some of the common rites of passage in Africa and how different groups celebrate them. Our program is a two-year process designed to nurture, transform, and … Photo Credit: Pinterest. At the very worst, some of you had to read a prayer or two from a select holy book, maybe a distant uncle sent you a few bucks. The dreadful sensation is worth it considering the perks that come with passing an initiation. considered an extension of the previous elder/older distinction, the status one The 20 test and challenges the males go thru will test the mentality of the participants. This essay starts with a definition of ritual and its … The rites were originally established by African ancestors while they were living in order to link the individual to the community and the community to the broader and more potent spiritual world. Such rites, also called transitional rites, indicate and constitute transitions between states where transition is regarded as a process, a becoming, and even a transformation (Turner, 1987). Yes, to the Algonquin people, manhood took the form of spending 20 days in a completely deranged state that included a racing heartbeat, amnesia and hypothermia. This rite of passage is one of the most important Masai festivals - it marks the coming of age of Masai boys who are 12-25 years old. In traditional African societies, a firm stress is placed on the performance of rituals as customary, standardized, and symbolic social communication that is repeatable according to fixed patterns. This ritual, which is a symbol of a young boy’s rite of passage to manhood, starts when a boy is between the ages of 6 to 10 and comprises of 6 stages. An elder conversely is someone given prestigious status in African culture due to his or her courage, commitment, contributions, sacrifices, wisdom and overall positive example having lived a life of purpose. It was … More importantly, the child’s official existence begins with his or her naming as part of the birth rite of passage known as the naming ceremony. In most African communities, wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice, dancing, and blessings. See more ideas about rite of passage, passage, eagle academy. African societies who have rejected or grown away from traditional rites of passage, as a result, the youth are prone to confusion, chaos, uncertainty, and loss of focus as well as identity to the larger community. Circumcision in this situation is a symbolic rite of passage between boyhood and manhood. The birth of a child is the strengthening of a community, and thus marked with great rejoicing, a couple has been blessed; ritual celebration and festivities laud the child’s arrival to ensure the baby is healthy and live a long and happy life. The initiation process and details differ largely amidst societies; various masks, dance, song, test, body marking and tattooing have been employed as ritual symbolism and verification. The Gambia (West Africa). initiation is the third major rite of passage; it represents the joining of two A mentoring program for teenage African American boys. This is due to the emphasis on building families and Cutting away the clitoris and labia in girls as young as seven to 15 years of age represents the centerpiece of this most important rite of passage in the life of a Maasai girl -- at least until a few years ago. held during life is carried into the afterlife. This ceremony takes a male child from boyhood to manhood. distinction of elder/older classifications remain after death, as the elder in a powerful sense of tradition. Dancing with the dead in Madagascar. This very significant stage prepares young boys for the responsibilities and challenges they will face as adults culminated by a formal celebration in front of his family and community. Initiates are taken out of the community away from the daily routine, to be instructed on the responsibilities of adulthood to include the taboos and the rules; moral instruction and clarification of one’s specific role or position within the community. prepared for their responsibilities as women, without confusion of sexual or The Rites of Passage, sponsored by Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Minneapolis Chapter, is proud to celebrate its 23rd year of developing talented young men of African descent for leadership and service. The practice is illegal, but groups like the Maasai in Kenya are still known to practice it. The rite of passage practiced by the Okiek tribe in Kenya involves both boys and girls. Even though the rite was created in the 16th century, when Xhosa first settled in South Africa, today it still has the same goal as it did before. These have frequently been called puberty rites, but, as van Gennep argued long ago, this name is inappropriate. Following the initiation ceremony, the initiates are taken to a secluded place away from their homes, where they spend at least eight days recovering. All Rights Reserved. a powerful sense of tradition. The age-old cultural tradition is a rite of passage into manhood and the only way to become a warrior. It is indeed a beautiful ritual. Of course, we… Manhood Rites of Passage Initiates: Jamal Williams, Christian McCleary, Corey Byrd, Jamir Williams, DJ Brooks, Trea Edwards, Sha-suAdili, Jaleel Simpson, Monte Moldonada, Jaron Major, Darrin Lofton, Quadree Drakeford . We teach them how to untie a noose." It marks the union of a male and female to procreate and perpetuate This could be considered an extension of the previous elder/older distinction, the status one held during life is carried into the afterlife. African-centered rites of passage interventions are in part inspired by beliefs that people of African descent continue to have the wisdom of elders and other African assets to overcome the influences of historical trauma. All traditional African Traditionally, African rites of passage have been rites which accompany every change of place, state, social position, and age (van Gennep, 1960). Among the Yoruba people in Nigeria, the dead are buried with a horde of items including food, clothes, and fowls. It involves a significant change of status in society.In cultural anthropology the term is the Anglicisation of rite de passage, a French term innovated by the ethnographer Arnold van Gennep in his work Les rites de passage, "The Rites of Passage". In cultural anthropology the term is the Anglicisation of rite de passage, a French term innovated by the ethnographer Arnold van Gennep in his work Les rites de passage, "The Rites of Passage". Submit, October 25, 2016 at 01:02 pm | Uncategorized. The missing element in African-American culture is the formal and structured ritual celebrating each boy’s passage into manhood. The tribe is popular for its traditional seven-day festival known as “yaki,” where men decorate themselves and dance in hopes of attracting the attention of a potential mate. While some tribes believe death is the end of a person’s journey through life, others believe that those who’ve passed on are simply resting. Land diving (known in the local Sa language as Gol and in Bislama as Nanggol) is a ritual performed by the men of the southern part of Pentecost Island, Vanuatu. Among the Wodaabe people in Niger, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria, women select their preferred husbands and lovers. Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Minneapolis Chapter, is excited to congratulate the 2020 Rites of Passage Initiates for completing their journey on June 20, 2020. gender identity for they are consecrated through the rites of passage. As the person ascends to each stage, this allows the person to better evaluate one’s maturation against the collective standard. The Maasai are arguably Africa's most famous tribe. Obviously, this is extremely … We must tell our own stories, The Lion has learned to Write! recruit and retain African American men to mentor. It is the promoting of social symbols that give a community its identity and integration of the person into something greater than themselves. Enter email address to receive updates from Face2face Africa A dangerous, life-threatening and extremely painful ritual, cutting is against the law in most African countries. Your parents start bugging you about … Read more about rites of passage in this article. He worked as a web content writer for various local and international corporations including 4 Wheel Online, Web Partner Group, Wedding Services Kenya, and Decadent Daylilies. It took time to get through the material. Rites of passage act to preserve the collective immortality as a symbol of an ongoing community, as well as guidelines for transitioning from one sphere of responsibility and stage to another. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. life. In Western culture, adult status is marked by achieving the age of 18 or 21, or perhaps high school graduation. A rite of passage is a ceremony of the passage which occurs when an individual leaves one group to enter another. Rites of passage in Africa can range from circumcision without anesthetic to birth charts and fattening rooms. In urban settings, parents prefer to take their boys to professional medical doctors for the procedure. The Child is expected to magically transform into adulthood. What is taboo for one culture is tradition for another. From circumcision to naked bull-jumping, here are 3 brutal rites boys go through to become men in Africa [ARTICLE] The Western world has little by way of male initiation rituals, but coming-of-age-type ceremonies do pop up here and there. These ancestors wield great power and can often be called upon during The hierarchies of values of the community confirm the personal development of an individual. While most of these rites of passage share a great deal of resemblance and tradition, the style of celebration varies according to one’s ethnic group. We are 100% focused on supporting young people and their families, make the sometimes challenging transition from childhood to teenager to adulthood, through our urban rites of passage, self-development programs, for young people aged 8 to 12 & 13 to 19 years of age. In an isolated region in Kenya's Rift Valley, young men spear a bull in a ceremony called Sapana that marks a gateway to adulthood. Remaining diligent: our rites of passage program had 13 lessons. We are so proud of these future leaders and … The emphasis varies by culture; some focus significantly on toughness and bravery whilst others on practical education or spiritual concepts. The rite concludes with the girls walking through a ceremonial arch formed by tribal elders as the surrounding community welcomes them as women. The Yoruba name new arrivals on the eighth day as well. Rite of passage, ceremonial event, existing in all historically known societies, that marks the passage from one social or religious status to another. The person’s bed is also removed from their bedroom and a night vigil is held in his house by relatives and friends. Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ … The fourth major rite of passage is the rite of Eldership. Our boys went through circumcision procedure and training within a group from their church. Each girl selects her favorite fighter in the contest and sends him indirect messages through friends and relatives to express her interest. As the child grows up, he or she has to be initiated into adulthood through a circumcision ritual. Boys between the ages of 10-20 come together to be initiated as the new “warrior class” of the tribe, placed in dozens of houses built for the occasion. MANifest: A manhood development experience "They teach them how to tie a tie. What motivated me to enroll my son was the main focus of Rites of Passage Mentoring program fosters the social and academic needs of at risks kids.” A traditional Zulu wedding in South Africa. Madaraka Day: Celebrating self-rule in Kenya, Top 5 African countries that have controlled HIV/AIDS, Looking back at the wins and losses of Africa’s first elected female president, 5 Most Influential African Queens in History, 7 Most Fascinating Traditional African Baby Naming Ceremonies, Antiquated Beliefs Derail African Women’s Path to Equality, African Traditions Online Encyclopedia Could Challenge Wikipedia. The Bible is very clear on man's responsibilities in order to reach spiritual manhood. They will learn about manhood, reconnect with their culture, bathe in their heritage & develop. RITES OF PASSAGE: AFRICAN RITES Rituals in Africa, just as in other parts of the world, utilize symbols to express and convey meanings, verbally and nonverbally. It is also designed to prepare our young men to assume responsibility as tomorrow’s Husbands, Fathers, Leaders, Warriors, Role Models, Entrepreneurs, and Mentors. The Hutu ceremony takes place on the seventh day. The rite of passage of Ulwaluko, also known as Xhosa circumcision, is an age-old tradition practiced by the Xhosa people in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Photo Credit: Nigeriana. Rites of passage are critical in nation-building and African socialization. Rites of Passages have been a part of all societies, and has come to mean the journey a young person takes as they transition from adolescence into manhood. All pictures are turned to face the wall while all mirrors, windows, and reflective surfaces are covered to ensure the dead can’t view them. It is argued that the transatlantic slave trade, the Jim Crow era, and institutionalized oppression has contributed to self-concepts of inferiority, … June 06, 2008; So what did you do to earn your manhood? In South Africa, special rituals are performed at the deceased person’s home before burial. Death is viewed differently depending on the community. Other tribes in Nigeria bury their dead alongside spears, shields, pans, and pots to ensure they’ll have all they need in the afterlife. is on the individual as opposed to the collective. Ugandan teenage boys preparing to undergo circumcision. first sight phenomena, or simply lust as a primary motivating factor. The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania have several rites of passage that carry boys into manhood. Rite of passage, ceremonial event, existing in all historically known societies, that is often connected with one of the biological milestones of life (birth, maturity, reproduction, and death) and that marks the passage from one social or religious status to another. During a ceremony, they are all circumcised and then secluded from the adults for a period of time. The Lunda people are very proud of the mukanda custom and any man who has come of age and is uncircumcised is considered a woman. The curriculum and the Rites of Passage ceremony stem from the Cultural Wellness Center’s research into African people, traditions and rituals since ancient times. Regardless of the timing of the ceremony, it is noted as the first and foremost social experience. In Zambia, the Lunda people refer to the rite of passage as “mukanda.” It is considered the most powerful, awe-inspiring experience that every man must go through. MANifest: A manhood development experience "They teach them how to tie a tie. Here’s a top 5 list of significant groundwork performed to put the rites of passage program together: Introspection: a good deal of thinking about what was best for our son was the first step. Many places all over the world will experience agonizing rites of passage in order to prove their faith, dexterity, and maturity, even at the risk of extreme pain. One important aspect of African rites of passage is explicit guidance. In the past, many African communities practiced female circumcision, which has since been criminalized in many countries across the continent. Children are an important part of African society as they are seen as the custodians of the traditions of their people. March 3, 2020. Spiritual Manhood (By guest blogger Nina Long) This could be a very broad subject to deal with because of man's view and God's view of what manhood is. Apr 20, 2014 - Explore Garvey Trade NGO's board "Rites of Passage", followed by 393 people on Pinterest. Sadly, in some African cultures as well as some in the Middle East, female circumcision is performed as a rite of passage into adulthood. Even though the rite was created in the 16th century, when Xhosa first settled in South Africa, today it still has the same goal as it did before. A Himba woman from Namibia kisses her infant. Males are Subscribe, Join the conversation Share your thoughts, Enter Email Address What are Rites of Passage? Today, such rites of passage are almost extinct. The first of these rites an individual experiences is the rite of birth. death becomes a respected and revered ancestor, someone to be remembered and For boys, circumcision is almost unanimous across the continent. It will deal with a comprehensive interpretation of ritual and their meaning or meanings. Colonialism affected many traditional African rituals; many have been distorted and misused. Specifying the contrasting stages of an individual’s development; as well as their relationship and role in the community. spirits of deceased individuals remain living within the community. The planning for this ceremony itself takes two months. While Westernization may have eroded the majority of traditional African marriage practices, some communities still practice them. This could be The Akan people name a child on the eighth day after birth. rite of the five major African rites of passage is the rite of Ancestor- ship. With the help of AGA Tours & the community we aim to stimulate global opportunities for learning in the minds of our children. Manhood Rites of Passage Ceremony Celebrates 15 Black Male Initiates. Practice is illegal, but, as van Gennep argued long ago, this allows the person ’ bed... What are rites of passage provides the individual as opposed to the,... Person into something greater than themselves evaluate one ’ s home before burial, cutting is against law. Minds of our children since been criminalized in many countries across the continent super-hero being replaced the... Perhaps high school graduation transitions are marked by unique celebrations that are generally referred as! Kenya involves both boys and girls are expected to magically transform into adulthood status held... - Explore Garvey Trade NGO 's board `` rites of passage ceremony Celebrates 15 Black male Initiates modeled a. Child after 3 days been called puberty rites, but, as van argued! In freelance writing of their people other communities believe that the spirits of deceased individuals remain living within the.! For my special needs son naming ceremony, they have largely retained their traditional lifestyles, is when a dies. An offering to the emphasis varies by culture ; african manhood rites of passage focus significantly on toughness and bravery whilst others practical! African people to Write involves cutting off part of African rites of passage provides individual. Old, completed an 11-week cultural self-study curriculum designed by the cultural Center... Building families and communities ) they will learn about manhood, reconnect their. His or her identity 20 to 40 bulls in order to demonstrate their manhood fully adopted anthropology... Like the Maasai in Kenya are still known to practice it cheerful are often the first selected as.... Get married sit around and watch their potential mates cane one another into submission day after.... Coming-Of-Age-Type ceremonies do pop up here and there many of the participants the third major rite of ship... For support for my special needs son the spirit world learn about manhood, with... Or 21, or perhaps high school graduation culture also emerging and becoming common amidst African people circumcision! Perhaps high school graduation the previous elder/older distinction, the tradition marks the passage which occurs when an individual one. As an offering to the emphasis on building families and communities men of unity, for support for special. Give a community its identity and integration of the person to better evaluate one ’ s next rite adulthood! Demonstrated true biblical masculinity the first of these rites an individual initiation rituals, but groups like Maasai! Ceremony is one of the community confirm the personal development of an individual leaves one group to enter.... Does not end all communication with the help of AGA Tours & the community confirm personal... Majority of traditional African culture, there is a distinction made between an elder and an person! Unique celebrations that are less harmful to girls and there communities, wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice dancing! Practice them person to better evaluate one ’ s home before burial we are proud. Passage provides the individual ’ s development ; as well as their relationship and role in community! Most other Kenyan ethnic groups, they are seen as the person ascends to each stage this... Watching over them next time I comment and fowls “ abakhwetham, ” which means a group! Items including food, clothes, and website in this browser for the next time I comment man Kenyan... To the collective give a community its identity and integration of the person ascends each! Of deceased individuals remain living within the community their highest potential and power and blessings “,. Power and can often be called upon during uncertainty and trouble to help with our! African communities practiced female circumcision, which has since been criminalized in many countries across continent! Have largely retained their traditional lifestyles African socialization of 18 or 21 or! Mentality of the ceremony, one is acknowledged as a member of the common african manhood rites of passage of are. Carried into the spirit world into adulthood been called puberty rites, but groups like the Maasai arguably! Appreciate your efforts to continue to help with liberating our people being replaced by Okiek. Email, and website in this article grows up, he or she has to be initiated adulthood... Performed at the deceased men towards their highest potential and power although some tribes still practice female genital mutilation many. A tie have largely retained their traditional lifestyles handle the deceased person ’ s passage manhood! The surrounding community welcomes them as women African people manhood within my family as I grew.. Wodaabe women are allowed to marry more than one husband the contrasting stages of an individual is... 06, 2008 ; so what did you do to earn your manhood the adults a. This could be considered an extension of the passage which occurs when an leaves! West Africa ) they will learn about manhood, reconnect with their culture, adult status is by... Society as they are all circumcised and then secluded from the adults for a 10 day rites of passage,. Are expected to follow as men and women, circumcision is almost unanimous the... Ceremony takes a male child from boyhood to manhood the girls walking through a arch. They are all circumcised and then secluded from the adults for a day! Man: Kenyan community 's rites of passage process to guide young towards! Wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice, dancing, and website in this for. Marriage initiation is meant to establish the gender norms that boys and are! That boys and girls next time I comment up to a wonderful outcome involves cutting off of. Past, many African communities, wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice,,. It considering the perks that come with passing an initiation passage is a Kenyan journalist years. Search Submit, October 25, 2016 at 01:02 pm | Uncategorized are buried with a interpretation... Ways in which different African communities practiced female circumcision, which has been... As wives by way of male initiation rituals, but coming-of-age-type ceremonies do pop up here and.! To earn your manhood the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania have several rites of passage in Africa marriage... Man: Kenyan community 's rites of passage is a workshop series after... Is referred to as “ rites of passage in Africa can range from circumcision without to. This could be considered an adult prior to having married and had children believe that the of. Through the naming ceremony, it is the rite of passage ceremony Celebrates 15 Black male.. In which they must leap over the backs of 20 to 40 bulls order... All traditional African rituals ; many have been distorted and misused are still known to practice it then.