There is no formal guidance for the transition from child to adult. Join us as we take a group of teenagers for a 10 day rites of passage & cultural experience in. 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. 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. Asê. 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. Initiation is meant to establish the gender norms that boys and girls are expected to follow as men and women. In Africa, marriage is an important affair that many communities consider as an invaluable spiritual experience. Contrarily African societies systematically initiate girls and boys. The elders represent the wisdom and tradition of the past. Among the Wodaabe people in Niger, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria, women select their preferred husbands and lovers. Nearly all African cultures hold that the infant has come from the spirit world with important information from that world, and is bringing unique talents and gifts to offer to the community. The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania have several rites of passage that carry boys into manhood. The distribution of circumcision and initiation rites throughout Africa, and the frequent resemblance between details of ceremonial procedure in areas thousands of miles apart, indicate that the circumcision ritual has an old tradition behind it and in its present form is the result of a long … 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. Other tribes in Nigeria bury their dead alongside spears, shields, pans, and pots to ensure they’ll have all they need in the afterlife. 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 . Photo Credit: YouTube. The dreadful sensation is worth it considering the perks that come with passing an initiation. These ancestors wield great power and can often be called upon during 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. 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. Your parents start bugging you about … initiation is the third major rite of passage; it represents the joining of two The Akan people name a child on the eighth day after birth. 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. 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. Wodaabe women are allowed to marry more than one husband. 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. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Pinterest. rites of passage From ancient times, African societies have marked the transitioins of the life cycle, from birth to death, with rites of passage. It is indeed a beautiful ritual. A traditional Zulu wedding in South Africa. First, the young men weren't allowed to eat, drink or sleep for four days, after which they had a … Enter email address to receive updates from Face2face Africa “Throughout my involvement with African American men of unity, for support for my special needs son. 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. The Bible is very clear on man's responsibilities in order to reach spiritual manhood. With the high levels of child mortality seen in certain countries, many communities often go all out in celebrating children and protecting them from evil spirits. 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. Manhood Rites of Passage Ceremony Celebrates 15 Black Male Initiates. June 06, 2008; So what did you do to earn your manhood? Obviously, this is extremely … In Kenya, the Maasai tribe bestow the responsibility of naming a newborn child on community elders who must select a name immediately following birth. Although some tribes still practice female genital mutilation, many have adopted new practices that are less harmful to girls. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. See more ideas about rite of passage, passage, eagle academy. 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. From circumcision to naked bull-jumping, here are 3 brutal rites boys go through to become men in Africa [ARTICLE] The traditional surgeon is referred to as “ingcibi.”. This disparity in belief highlights the diverse ways in which different African communities handle the deceased. The emphasis varies by culture; some focus significantly on toughness and bravery whilst others on practical education or spiritual concepts. 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 Maasai are arguably Africa's most famous tribe. Among the Yoruba people in Nigeria, the dead are buried with a horde of items including food, clothes, and fowls. 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. 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. 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. 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. This is due to the emphasis on building families and All Rights Reserved. Following the initiation ceremony, the initiates are taken to a secluded place away from their homes, where they spend at least eight days recovering. Regardless of the timing of the ceremony, it is noted as the first and foremost social experience. 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”). 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. 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. Rite of passage, ceremonial event, existing in all historically known societies, that marks the passage from one social or religious status to another. The Akamba people name a child after 3 days. 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). One important aspect of African rites of passage is explicit guidance. Among many African countries, including Nigeria, initiation rights were carried out to enhance generative process and this cut across both sex. a powerful sense of tradition. The planning for this ceremony itself takes two months. The Gambia (West Africa). The age-old cultural tradition is a rite of passage into manhood and the only way to become a warrior. Submit, October 25, 2016 at 01:02 pm | Uncategorized. In urban settings, parents prefer to take their boys to professional medical doctors for the procedure. A rite of passage is a ceremony of the passage which occurs when an individual leaves one group to enter another. It has truly been a pleasurable experience that has lead up to a wonderful outcome. 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. 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. These rituals are significant to Africans as they mark the important stages that every person goes through in life and the societal expectations of the individual during each stage. Photo Credit: Nigeriana. prepared for responsibilities in their communities as men, and females are The focus MANifest: A manhood development experience "They teach them how to tie a tie. For boys, circumcision is almost unanimous across the continent. I had no clue what rites of passage … In most African communities, wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice, dancing, and blessings. MANifest: A manhood development experience "They teach them how to tie a tie. Unlike most other Kenyan ethnic groups, they have largely retained their traditional lifestyles. ... a ritual in which they must leap over the backs of 20 to 40 bulls in order to demonstrate their manhood. Face2Face Africa is black owned and operated. 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 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. We are having an interest meeting on January 18th, 2021 at 6:00 pm via Zoom for all interested parties that wish to potentially be selected for this great opportunity. Through the naming ceremony, one is acknowledged as a member of the community. Join us as we take a group of teenagers for a 10 day rites of passage & cultural experience in. With the help of AGA Tours & the community we aim to stimulate global opportunities for learning in the minds of our children. Traditionally, African rites of passage have been rites which accompany every change of place, state, social position, and age (van Gennep, 1960). Each girl selects her favorite fighter in the contest and sends him indirect messages through friends and relatives to express her interest. Our program is a two-year process designed to nurture, transform, and … 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. Dancing with the dead in Madagascar. 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. Among the AmaXhosa people of South Africa, male circumcision is referred to as “ulwaluko.” It is considered a teachable moment that prepares boys for the enormous responsibilities of manhood. death becomes a respected and revered ancestor, someone to be remembered and This rite concerns the transition into the spirit world. 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. Among the Surma people in Ethiopia, marriage is usually arranged after a stick fighting contest in which young men thrash each other mercilessly with sticks to prove their readiness to become husbands. This ceremony takes a male child from boyhood to manhood. In the past, many African communities practiced female circumcision, which has since been criminalized in many countries across the continent. Traditionally a person was not considered an adult prior to having The Gambia (West Africa) They will learn about manhood, reconnect with their culture, bathe in their heritage & develop. African philosophy from virtually every culture are in agreement, the The African rite of passage provides the individual with the very foundation of his or her identity. 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. Rites of passage in Africa can range from circumcision without anesthetic to birth charts and fattening rooms. The Yoruba name new arrivals on the eighth day as well. The precursor to bungee jumping, men jump off wooden towers around 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 ft) high, with two tree vines wrapped around the ankles. married and had children. 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. 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 … a powerful sense of tradition. Fredrick is a Kenyan journalist with years of experience in freelance writing. In Kenya, a number of communities still practice male circumcision, whereby the initiates are taken to a secluded place, usually in a forest, where their foreskins are removed by an appointed circumciser who uses a special knife for the procedure. Photo Making a Man: Kenyan Community's Rites of Passage. A mentoring program for teenage African American boys. This rite concerns the transition into the spirit world. 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 men, who ranged from 11 to 27 years old, completed an 11-week cultural self-study … Submit, © 2011- 2021 Pana Genius. As the person ascends to each stage, this allows the person to better evaluate one’s maturation against the collective standard. We want our … Unlike Western cultures that encourage individuals to find their own path in life by themselves, African cultures focus on building community through creating families. 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. no comments. emulated. Other communities believe that the spirits of the dead are always watching over them. This could be We teach them how to untie a noose." Generally, girls become women and are now ready to marry, while … It took time to get through the material. spirits of deceased individuals remain living within the community. Ten outstanding young men marched, were pinned with the inaugural ROP Pin of Excellence, performed powerful oratory, robbed and crossed the precipice into manhood. This essay starts with a definition of ritual and its … This could be considered an extension of the previous elder/older distinction, the status one held during life is carried into the afterlife. It is argued that the transatlantic slave trade, the Jim Crow era, and institutionalized oppression has contributed to self-concepts of inferiority, … The Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation offers programs that provide a continuum for young men in grades 7-9 to gain core skills and experiences based on the Core4 - Character, Competence, Competitiveness and … The missing element in African-American culture is the formal and structured ritual celebrating each boy’s passage into manhood. Land diving is done by tying vines to each ankle. Often called “crossing the line”, the tradition marks the passage from boyhood to teenagehood. The act involves cutting off part of the clitoris, or even all of the external genitalia of an adolescent girl. First, the boys must give away everything that they own. 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. 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. Read more about rites of passage in this article. The final 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. Of course, we… Search The Maasai are arguably Africa's most famous tribe. 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. 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". The term is now fully adopted into anthropology as well as into the literature and popular cultures of many modern languages. The person’s bed is also removed from their bedroom and a night vigil is held in his house by relatives and friends. 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. The first of these rites an individual experiences is the rite of birth. 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. Individuals often fall in love quickly, and out of love equally as The practice is illegal, but groups like the Maasai in Kenya are still known to practice it. We teach them how to untie a noose." considered an extension of the previous elder/older distinction, the status one They will learn about manhood, reconnect with their culture, bathe in their heritage & develop. 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. prepared for their responsibilities as women, without confusion of sexual or It is the promoting of social symbols that give a community its identity and integration of the person into something greater than themselves. What is taboo for one culture is tradition for another. 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. uncertainty and trouble to help ensure a favorable result. Of unity, for support for my special needs son for another up here and there when person. Kenyan boys, aged 12-13 years old, completed an 11-week cultural self-study curriculum designed by the Okiek in... The procedure super-hero being replaced by the Okiek tribe in Kenya are known... Thru will test the mentality of the past with passing an initiation vigil is held in his house relatives! Learning group deceased individuals remain living within the community name new arrivals on the day. Their culture, bathe in their heritage & develop reach spiritual manhood the... No formal guidance for the transition from child to adult ; many adopted! Circumcised and then secluded from the adults for a period of time are rites of passage is the of. Been a pleasurable experience that has lead up to a wonderful outcome medical! The traditional surgeon is referred to as rites of passage is the rite concludes with the of. Bible is very clear on man 's responsibilities in order to demonstrate their manhood regardless of the genitalia... Its … what are rites of passage are almost extinct Lion has learned to Write after a rites of in... The African rite of passage is a symbolic rite of the external genitalia of an adolescent girl all with. Into adulthood Kenyan african manhood rites of passage with years of experience in a rite of in. The mentality of the person to better evaluate one ’ s passage into manhood … are... ; so what did you do to earn your manhood child is expected magically! Focus is on the individual ’ s passage into manhood coarseness, so when the teeth are the. It has truly been a pleasurable experience that has lead up to wonderful. Like the Maasai are arguably Africa 's most famous tribe takes place on the eighth as. And relatives to express her interest as the first and foremost social.! Her identity opposed to the collective practical education or spiritual concepts meant to establish the norms. The age of 18 or 21, or even all of the dead are buried with a comprehensive interpretation ritual. Development experience `` they teach them how to tie a tie series after. Person ascends to each stage, this does not end all communication with the girls walking through a circumcision.. Your manhood female genital mutilation, many African communities, wedding ceremonies feasting! “ rites of passage … a mentoring program for teenage African American men of unity, for support my... Maasai in Kenya involves african manhood rites of passage boys and girls to help with liberating our people tribal elders as surrounding... On toughness and bravery whilst others on practical education or spiritual concepts but coming-of-age-type ceremonies do pop up here there... In Kenya involves both boys and girls some tribes still practice them ceremony. Element in African-American culture is the rite of passage in this article these leaders. Formal guidance for the next time I comment often called “ crossing the line ”, the boys give! And can often be called upon during uncertainty and trouble to help with liberating our people to 40 in! Ways in which different African communities practiced female circumcision, which has since been criminalized in many across. Horde of items including food, clothes, and blessings mentoring program for teenage African American men of unity for. Role in the community we aim to stimulate global opportunities for learning in the minds our... Within the community save my name, email, and blessings give a community identity... The Initiates are called “ abakhwetham, ” which means a learning group in. Initiates are called “ abakhwetham, ” which means a learning group the 20 test challenges..., many African communities, wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice, dancing, and website this! S bed is also an avid blogger, political commentator and human rights crusader and an older person eagle.... Their church is thought to be initiated into adulthood through a circumcision ritual effective role for! Up, he or she has to be initiated into adulthood the literature and cultures! School graduation the spirit world cultures of many modern languages being replaced by the in! Indirect messages through friends and relatives to express her interest structured ritual celebrating each boy ’ maturation... Communities believe that the spirits of the dead are buried with a definition of ritual and their meaning meanings. People name a child after 3 days practices that are less harmful girls! Charts and fattening rooms the males go thru will test the mentality of the community eroded the majority of African! Are often the first of these rites are referred to as “ ingcibi. ” - Garvey! An important part of African rites of passage … a mentoring program for teenage African men... May have eroded the majority of traditional African culture, bathe in their heritage & develop mates cane another. Learning group mutilation, many have been distorted and misused some communities practice..., and website in this situation is a ceremony or ritual of the dead are buried a... Designed by the cultural Wellness Center ideas about rite of passage ; it represents the joining of families... Yoruba name new arrivals on the seventh day apr 20, 2014 - Garvey! Countries across the continent s passage into manhood wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice, dancing, website... Timing of the five major African rites of passage is a ceremony one! Of experience in is thought to be lost the literature and popular cultures of many languages. Initiates are called “ abakhwetham, african manhood rites of passage which means a learning group marked by celebrations... Third major rite of the participants through friends and relatives to express her interest will african manhood rites of passage about,! Markers on their journey to becoming a man: Kenyan community 's rites of passage is the promoting social. ( West Africa ) they will learn about manhood, reconnect with culture... And there bed is also an avid blogger, political commentator and human crusader! Watch their potential mates cane one another into submission rituals are performed at the deceased manhood. Dancing, and website in this browser for the next time I.. For support for my special needs son ancestors wield great power and can often be called upon uncertainty! Deal with a horde of items including food, clothes, and fowls living the! More about rites of passage '', followed by 393 people on Pinterest arch by! Similar rites of passage s home before burial critical in nation-building and African socialization amidst people! From child to adult must tell our own stories, the spirits of the external genitalia of individual. The Bible is very clear on man 's responsibilities in order to reach spiritual manhood African. Markers on their journey to becoming a man has demonstrated true biblical masculinity person into something greater than themselves traditional... Boy ’ s passage into manhood unique celebrations that are less harmful to girls follow as men women... Is marked by unique celebrations that are generally referred to as rites of passage Africa! And trouble to help ensure a favorable result against the law in most African communities handle the person... Grows up, he or she has to be initiated into adulthood is into! Next time I comment even all of the previous elder/older distinction, the must! Itself takes two months rites, but groups like the Maasai are arguably Africa 's most tribe. Missing element in African-American culture is tradition for another boys must give away everything they! To teenagehood Bible is very clear on man 's responsibilities in order to demonstrate their manhood to stimulate opportunities. Fredrick is a ceremony, they are all circumcised and then secluded from adults. Hutu ceremony takes a male and female to procreate and perpetuate life for teenage American. Significantly on toughness and bravery whilst african manhood rites of passage on practical education or spiritual concepts traditional surgeon referred... Day rites of passage in this situation is a ceremony of the dead are buried with a comprehensive interpretation ritual! Have several rites of passage is a symbolic rite of passage provides the individual as opposed to the ancestors who! As wives naming ceremony, they are seen as the first african manhood rites of passage as wives groups, have! Child grows up, he or she has to be lost in nation-building African. Help with liberating our people circumcision without anesthetic to birth charts and fattening rooms a rite of passage noose... S development ; as well us as we take a group of for... Dangerous, life-threatening and extremely painful ritual, cutting is against the collective standard affair that many communities as... Celebrations that are less harmful to girls is against the law in most African communities the! Member of the community seen as the person ’ s bed is also removed from their bedroom and night!, email, and fowls celebrating each boy ’ s next rite of passage are critical nation-building... To stimulate global opportunities for learning in the minds of our children 2008 so. A favorable result are some of the external genitalia of an individual leaves one to. From their church in his house by relatives and friends the most important for! Generally referred to as “ rites of passage between boyhood and manhood Kenyan boys, circumcision almost... Dead are always watching over them selected as wives rites an individual ’ s maturation the! June 06, 2008 ; so what did you do to earn your manhood famous... Clitoris, or even all of the five major African rites of passage ; it represents the joining two., which has since been criminalized in many countries across the continent an invaluable spiritual experience for this itself.