From boy to man

[Nitefalle]

In the same vein as the thread about celebrating womanhoood for young girls going through menarche, it made me think - what about the boys? It's just as important, the transition from boy to man, and what do we really have to honor that? They don't have something as definitive as a bodily function to really mark that line, as girls do. We are no longer a hunting / gathering community that can mark a boy's transition with his first hunt. What is left?

[Sage Rainsong]

I personally think that rites of passage rituals are important to a culture. It functions as a sort of marker or milestone in ones life. I personally think that if we had more rites of passage for both men and women we would see less of adults acting like children. maybe puberty is a good time, that part is tricky. If you need a ritual rite of passage I would suggest The Pagan Man by Isaac Bonewits. In it he describes his sons' rite of passage.

[WillowsMuse]

I personally think that rites of passage rituals are important to a culture. It functions as a sort of marker or milestone in ones life. I personally think that if we had more rites of passage for both men and women we would see less of adults acting like children. maybe puberty is a good time, that part is tricky.


I totally agree. I'll check out the book you recommend.

[ladyalpha]

During my searches for rites of passage for girls, I saw that a lot of people choose the age of 13 for boys. I'm assuming that is due to when a boy usually hits puberty (not a man, so I am just guessing on if that is when boys go through it..). But, if a boy started puberty earlier than that, I would definitly do one then.
I liked the suggestions I found that said to have the child decide who they want to attend and what they would like to have done. This keeps the child involved and keeps the adults from inviting someone to it and possibly embarrassing the child. As all kids are different and some don't want mom (if a boy) or dad (if a girl) to be there..or their friends, etc.

I think if there is something from a parents childhood that they remember doing when they got to a certain age with their same sex parent, that could be something that could be included in the rite. Or if there is a family heirloom..watch, special pocket kife that belonged to grandpa or someone like that, etc..that could be given to the child.
Anything that really marked that they are growing up and are ready to be trusted with certain knowledge and property.

Just my opinions. I have a few years yet to really refine them down to something useful. But, perhaps they will give you, and others searching, ideas to start from.