“The rituals tell teenagers that it is time to change the way they think and live; it tells the community that the children are now adults, to be treated with equal status and rights.”

Read 2 examples: graduating senior and West African boy, a member of the Dagara tribe

Ritual: Any activity or event performed in a set manner

Examples of events: graduation ceremonies, church services, and memorial services

Examples of activities: proper attire for an event, how you greet your friends, decorating the Christmas tree, birthday song and party, dinner table setting

Add meaning to our lives Help us to cope and understand Order Help to establish common experiences Strengthen society and community The older generation can be confident in

younger generation

1. The Separation- an individual is separated from everyday life and what s/he once knew

Individual leaves home, family, and former life—can be forced

“the monster”

2. Initiation/Transformation-an individual’s way of thinking and behaving changes

Length of time varies “death” “rebirth” Individual changes emotionally and/or

physically to represent internal change

3. The Return- Individual comes back to community as an adult

Change is recognized Important to individual and community Uses new knowledge and skills New knowledge and skills are helpful in

the future