Rites of passage

Your first step into anything often characterises your walk through it.  So the change from child to adult is a gradual walk whose first step my young sonshine is about to take.  I would like it to be taken with confidence, on firm footing, with a few dreams safely tucked up his sleeve.  It’s his first step outside my nurturing nest and I want it to be brave and adventurous, with courage to be imperfect but bouyed on with encouragement for the man he could be.

I don’t think it has to be marked, but I love an occasion so have been researching rites of passage; different cultures mark the passage from child to adult differently, some are truly fascinating..http://listverse.com/2009/12/28/10-bizarre-rites-of-passage/  others are more familiar like confirmation or Barmitzvah.

A few friends have already embarked their children on a rite of passage, one girl is heading to S Africa with her Dad, a memorable adventure in itself,  but included in there is the chance to visit an orphanage, which for her seals a childhood dream.  I think it’s important to give young adults space to grow their dreams.  Another home made rite of passage  was a mountain trip, challenging and inspiring in one, plus a ceremonial burial of a childhood toy on top of one of the mountain peaks.  A poignant goodbye!

I love the outward expression of internal change and am putting together our own homemade marking of the passage of time.  I want it to be challenging- like when a young chick is pushed out of the nest and off a branch into a free fall to learn to fly.  There’ll be no pretending that adult life is easy.

Ideally it would finish with an American Indian-esque campfire with respected elders who pass on stories, wisdom and prophecies maybe with body paint!  Alot of fun, memories being made and a young man forged!

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