Rites of Passage option

1. +
Rites of passage
Moving on

2. +
Birth rites

UK

Christenings, or baptisms are religious ceremonies in which a
baby/young child is anointed with water and is allocated God-parents.
The practice was becoming less popular in the UK as fewer people
attend churches however, the Christening of Prince George in 2013
may make it fashionable again.

Southern India

The „Dropping the Baby” ritual is carried out every year in
southern India and is meant to bring good luck, health and
prosperity. Although it is banned by the government, the practice
continues.

3. +
Education

The first day of school

The School Prom

Thanks to Hollywood and the impact of American
culture on the UK, Proms are now big business.

Bachelor and Spinster Parties

In Australia B&S Balls are a huge and gruesome event.
Many take place in a remote area. A big „spew‟ pit is dug
and the revelers spend the weekend getting bladdered.

Graduation ceremonies

4. +
UK Marriage

Traditional church wedding, UK

In 2011 only 30% of weddings in the UK were religious.
70% were civil ceremonies.

The average cost of weddings in the UK in 2013 is £18244.

Civil partnership, Gretna Green

The Civil Partnership Act (2004), gave same-sex couples
most of the same rights as married couples.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, will mean
same-sex couples will be entitled to equal rights and
responsibilities of civil marriage.

5. +
Overseas Marriage

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Sultan Hamengkubuwono X‟s fourth daughter, Gusti Ratu Kanjeng ayu, marries
KPH Notonegoro in a three day ceremony (October 2013)

Rajgarh, India

Newly wed Mamta Bai, 12, and her husband Bablu, 14 (May 2011).

Ignoring laws that ban child marriages, several young children, are still
married off as part of centuries-old custom in some Indian villages.
India law prohibits marriage for women younger than 18 and men
under age 21.

6. +
Some other rites of passage

Bar Mitzvah

The „coming of age‟ in the Jewish tradition is 13 for boys, 12 for girls.

18th Birthday

UK law now recognizes you as an adult.

Hen and Stag Do‟s

Final fling or waste of money?

Wedding anniversaries
Heather and Anthony Knappett
celebrate their
60th wedding anniversary.

7. +
Funerals

UK

Today in Britain, non-religious funerals are becoming a popular
alternative, such as those offered at the Woodland Burial Park
in Norwich. Death remains a fairly taboo subject in the UK.

Burning Ghats, India and Nepal

“Shmashana” or “cremation” ghats (or steps) are common in South Asia
(India and Nepal). These are places where bodies are cremated by the
the waterside, allowing the ashes to be washed away by the sacred river.