Rites of passage

All human societies celebrate transitions between the stages of growth and development. These celebrations are often called «Rites of Passage». Due to the obvious and important biosocial changes associated with the transition from juvenile to puberty to adolescence, almost all societies have elaborate rites to mark this passage. Attending school is one rite of passage that may last for years. In the photograph on the left is shown a mother and her two sons. The boy holding the dog is about 10-11 years old. He recently began to attend the state primary school and he is dressed and groomed to meet the expectations of a school student. His younger brother is about 8 years old. He does not attend school. The mother explained that she can afford to send only one of the brothers to school due to the cost of clothing and school supplies. On the right is a photograph of the «Kota blue boys». The Kota, or Bakota, are a Bantu ethnic group from the northeastern region of Gabon, on the border with Republic of Congo. Juvenile boys undergo a rite of passage that involves being sequestered in a separate house and painting their faces blue. As the blue color fades naturally —no washing is allowed— the child symbolically dies, and an adult is born. During the transition, the boys are instructed in practical knowledge and folklore that is required to be men.  Contemporary urban societies in Europe and North America celebrate rites of passage related to education and other life transitions. Examples are high school proms (formal dances) in the United States and graduations at the end of secondary school or university. [Barry Bogin]