Sofia Irwin - Rites of Passage

 RITES OF PASSAGE


    In our discussion of the epic of Gilgamesh the other day, we talked a little about rites of passage. They’ve come up a couple of times in this class, actually. It’s interesting to think about them as a sort of “hero’s journey” in themselves, where one passes from one stage of life (the known) to the next (the unknown).

    [Note: I would like to mention that this example as a hero’s journey doesn’t fit exactly because Campbell’s model includes a Return, which is not exactly possible with the passing of time.]

    So I started thinking: what do we do in our world nowadays to signal a rite of passage? In the U.S., a girl’s 16th birthday (“Sweet Sixteen”) is considered a marker for her transition from child to young adult. This is similar to the Latin American tradition of a Quinceañera (where the girl turns 15). Cotillions and Debutante Balls introduce young adults into “society.” These are all things that just celebrate a point in time and aren’t necessarily earned. They have big parties and make a big occasion of it all. I’ve never had one of these parties but I’ve heard they’re a pretty big deal.

    There are also other kinds of rites of passage that people might not think about as often. These are the ones that aren’t a given and you have to work for. Things like graduating from highschool or college, getting a learner’s permit and later a driver’s license, registering to vote for the first time, or buying property of some sort. Sure, it’s not as glamorous, but I feel like that marks pivotal points in your life. All of these events are times when you took your future into your own hands and took intentional steps forward. It shows independence and resolve. 


Isn’t that kind of like what a hero in a book would do?


    I don’t know, maybe I’m biased because (like I mentioned before) I didn’t have a Sweet 16 or Quince. I just think the second group of events fits the idea of a rite of PASSAGE better. I’m thankful for all that’s happened to get me where I am and I look forward to what will come next.


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