what is a rite of passage?

Question

what is a passage?

Answer 1

Here's a website which does an excellent job defining the term:

http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/Byrnes-celebrations/Rites%20of%20Passage.html

The word passage simply refers to the act of passing or transitioning from one phase of life to another, usually higher state of existence. For example, children pass into adulthood as they gain experience and education, and thus perform at a higher level as adults than they did as children.

Answer 2

This is an English phrase that means: going through a certain activity to achieve an end where you will be more mature.

For example: a teenager in the civilized world will have spots on his face. This is just another 'rite of passage' (to get to maturity)

OR
A person living in a foreign country will be misunderstood using the foreign language incorrectly (and maybe make a fool of themselves). Another friend will say "Ah, well. That is just the rite of passage!" Meaning that the incident is normal and essential to get to a better place in the foreign country.

Lots of things can be "rites of passage". Not making the basketball team this year as a Sophomore could be one, and then you get it the next year.

Passage has no direct translation in this phrase. Unless it means journey?

What do you think?

Answer 3

A 'rite of passage' can be a specific little ceremony or trial of skill, endurance or whatever to achieve a certain status, ie. 'become a man' or join a club or society.

"passage" in this sense is the ability to pass the test.

Answer 4

It is a standardized ritual (religious or social) which a person goes through to mark a new status in life. The ritual has three parts: goodbye to the old life, passage through to the new, and then entrance into the new.
Examples: getting drafted, baptism, college graduation, bar mitzvah.

Answer 5

ceremonial event, existing in all historically known societies, that marks the passage from one social or religious status to another