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Some cultures have formal, even ritualistic, ways of recognizing and supporting transitions. In general, typical Western industrialized countries have tended to lose conscious contact with the religious and spiritual significance of the transitions that make up, and are part of, lifecycle events. Instead, the markers of great change from one phase of life to another are blended into society’s conventions. They are accepted and facilitated with minimal reference to the hovering existential spiritual questions that are likely to surround the subject going through the changes.
However, there are still plenty of examples of lifecycle events that are heartily acknowledged and affirmed in many cultures and religious faiths in every part of the globe. In Judaism, there’s something called a Brit Milah. This is a customary ritual circumcision of all males on the eighth day of life. The removal of the foreskin symbolizes the covenant, or agreement, between God and the Jewish people. In the first book of the Hebrew Bible, Genesis, God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and his male descendants.
In the Middle Ages, there were many Jewish philosophers, such as Maimonides, Spinoza, and Philo of Alexandria before them, who justified this ritual and encouraged its continuation. They argued that it was a sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, it is more hygienic, and it aids in limiting the distractions of lust.
In this painting by Peter Paul Rubens circa 1625, you see a depiction of Abraham and the high priest, Melchizedek, the son of Noah and sometimes called Shem. According to the Jewish tradition, the high priest was present at the circumcision of both Abraham and Isaac, formally recognizing the practical action as a religious covenant. Abraham is returning victorious from battle, and he’s given bread from Shem. This is the origin of this lifecycle event in Judaism, which solidifies the commitment between the people and God.
Among the variety of traditions, religions, and ritual practices around lifecycle events, there are many commonalities. These have more to do with the spiritual intention, purpose, and meaning. The forum looks very different across the religions, but the spirit, you might say, is the same.
A lifecycle event then, is a transition from one’s state, or period of life, to another. It is a passage filled with both opportunities and dangers, much like a pilgrimage is a passage filled with potential dangers and unexpected blessings. Both are transformative experiences in which one’s identity is dissolved, in part, and then reconstituted.
IN CONTEXT
In some Native American cultures, especially those of the Plains and Great Lakes regions, young adults in mid-teenage years have traditionally gone on vision quests marking their coming of age into adulthood. A vision quest is typically a one- to five-day solo journey into the land in search of purpose, meaning, and guidance. If a vision appears, often the vision questor will integrate this wisdom with follow-up support from a tribal elder upon returning to the group.
There are many lifecycle events recognized by religions. Many cultures also have ceremonies to recognize the onset of puberty. In Bali, they mark this event with a parade through town. It is called the Menek Kelih.
Marriage is very often understood as a religious and spiritual acknowledgment of the union between two individuals and their mutual commitment to support each other’s life purpose.
Death rituals and customs mark, perhaps, the most dramatic end of a life cycle and transformative process. All cultures and religions have very specific rituals and practices surrounding death.
Source: THIS TUTORIAL WAS AUTHORED BY TED FAIRCHILD FOR SOPHIA LEARNING. Please see our Terms of Use.