Aboriginal Rites Of Passage Analysis

1090 Words5 Pages
Society & Culture Rites of Passage Personal And Social Identity The Aboriginal Walkabout Rite of passage. Over a 6month (or a time decided on by specific members in the language group) period of time a group of adolescent boys would gather and meet and live in the wilderness. This is often called one's right to passage. It’s an endurance test during which he must survive alone in the wilderness and return to his tribe an adult, or die in the attempt. They have the right to pass from childhood to adulthood. Those being initiated are instructed and prepared for their roles within the ceremony and later in life as an adult. The ages of the boy being initiated varies between language groups, but usually occur between…show more content…
It purely unites them to the land, a higher purpose, and somehow to a higher plane of existence in some ways, and individually it is part of their identity as a man. These boys not only survives on skill but with pride as well, seeking out the subtle signs of direction. During the time spent on the Walkabout the boys grow and learn to know that in fact a country is not just a collection of hills, cliffs, creeks, rock outcrops and waterholes. It is a magical network of land and living things, elements and seasons, Dreamtime stories, spirits and songs. They return with a sense of oneness within themselves and with the world in which they live. On the returning of the boy he then is forgotten as the boy he was and welcomed in a man. They proceed with a ceremony after to celebrate his success of coming back and proving to him self and the tribe that he is capable of being a…show more content…
The walker finds his way, it is believed, under the guidance of a spiritual power. A walkabout is a “maturational” reflective journey of discovery in which aboriginal youth leave home to experience their capacity in the challenging wilderness. The Walkabout is a transformative journey, allowing them to look deep inside, and deeper at the world around them, growing into their true selves. It celebrates the vital transition–or passage–from adolescence to adulthood. The learning passages include philosophical, practical, emotional/physical/spiritual challenge, exploration, community/global response, and creative “endeavour”. This journey is a passage that challenges endurance and stamina as well as beliefs. The walkabout helps and affects the adolescents of an aboriginal because it’s the key to finding their identity. This journey they take is a time they find out their true selves. Spending all that time alone they’re forced to evaluate their lives and mature within the period of time away. When they return, they’re expected to have full responsibility of their lives. Their expectations are high and in effect puts a lot of pressure on

More about Aboriginal Rites Of Passage Analysis

Open Document