The need for ceremony is embedded into our DNA. As humans, we are evolutionarily wired to create meaning through art- such as symbols, metaphors, and body movement. Rites of passages are events that mark significant life transitions. They are like thresholds over which we can pass, where there is a defined “before” and “after.” In essence, rites of passage offer an embodied experience that gives meaningful experiences a place to go, letting thoughts, emotions, and spirit move in our bodies.
Transitions are part of the birth/death cycle of biology. Birth is the life-producing energy of creation, and death is the life-force behind endings. We can work with rites of passages to support us through the achievements and losses that are important to us. Honoring the meaning of transitions allows us to slow down, notice how we feel, and respect big changes in our lives. In community, transitional ceremonies offer strength through support and witnessing/being witnessed- interconnectedness.
Rites of Passage and the Modern World
Rites of passage ceremonies are present in cultures around the world, offering a sense of identity, belonging, and emotional resilience. In many cultures, rites of passage are not optional but essential. They serve to mark critical milestones such as coming of age, marriage, childbirth, and death. These rituals are often deeply embedded in the social structure, fostering an understanding of one’s purpose and place in society. Cross-culturally, these experiences nurture identity, pride, accomplishment, and direction. In modern Western society, these important rituals have largely faded into the background, leaving a gap that is increasingly felt. The absence of such structures can leave individuals feeling lost and alienated.
While certain life events, such as graduations or weddings, still exist, they often lack the depth of more ancient rituals. This shift may be due in part to the increasing emphasis of individuation and the fast-paced nature of modern Western life that rewards efficiency and productivity over presence and community.
Without slowing down to give our transitions the sacred attention and respect they deserve, individuals may be challenged to find meaning in their life transitions. The lack of such rituals can lead to feelings of disconnection from self and others, anxiety, and even existential crisis. For example, transitioning from childhood to adulthood is recognized through ritual in Indigenous cultures around the world. The Jewish bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah are coming of age ceremonies intended to do the same. However, many young adults in the West aren’t familiar with these formal ceremonies and might informally celebrate common milestones like graduations; yet these changes are often met without collective recognition or mentorship to guide them. The result is a population struggling to enter adulthood. Many young adults find themselves grappling with feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and stress as they seek to define themselves in a world that moves at lightning speed.
The absence of rites of passage can also impact how individuals deal with loss, whether that means grieving a loved one or coping with changes in their own physical and mental capacities as they age. Without structured rituals to honor the significance of transitions, people may feel they are navigating them alone.
Curious about the role of rites of passage in mental health communities? Stay tuned for part 2 next week!
