Women have virtually no voice in Maasai society. — TT (@Topsy1966) July 14, 2018. To date, this modified ritual has taken place three times in Loitokitok and Magadi, Kenya with over 800 girls, 135 parents, 86 tribal elders and 16 female circumcisers. They built their own hut/home and lived on their own. Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old coming of age quotes, coming of age sayings, and coming of age proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources. South African fitness influencer Sbahle Mpisane recently had her traditional coming-of-age ceremony, called an Umemulo, and the pictures tell the story. Part of HuffPost Impact. The cutter uses the same knife for several girls and often stitches the labia over the vagina, leaving only the smallest of openings, causing untold complications in adulthood and childbirth, often resulting in obstructed labor and potential death of both mother and child. News Japan's youth mark Coming of Age Day amid coronavirus surge The day is a rite of passage for young people who have turned or are about to turn 20 years old. She realized early, though, that to make real progress she had to speak with the Morans as well. One of the most prominent cultural traditions celebrated and upheld by the Tikuna is that of the Pelazón ceremony, a coming of age ritual for young girls, marking the time they enter womanhood. As sunset approaches, the young boy gets ready for one of the most important days of his life. The transition from girl to woman in nomadic groups in East Africa takes place in an age-old, four-day ritual in which the girls are dressed in their finest clothes and adorned with their most beautiful jewelry. Mpisane — or Fitness Bunnie, as she is known in social media — had her traditional Zulu coming-of-age ceremony, called an Umemulo, and the pictures of the festivities are captivating.Historically, the ceremony was for Zulu women who reached the age of 21 as virgins, but as times have changed, the ceremony now celebrates young unmarried women as they come of age — … A deeper look into the different cultures of the African continent, its food, people, music, art, language and more. The girls sing traditional songs that everyone has practiced. A dangerous, life-threatening and extremely painful ritual, cutting is against the law in most African countries. The girls sing traditional songs that everyone has practiced. Go to, AMREF has helped girls and women play a larger role in the community. Since 1994, when the African National Congress came to power, attempts have been made to transform this ceremony into a multi-cultural event, but these have not been entirely successful. One of such traditions is the Khweta circumcision that initiates boys into manhood. — Kim (@Kim99733740) July 15, 2018. Today is National Voter Registration Day! Source: Haunted Garden Book. The bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah are coming of age ceremonies for Jewish boys and girls, respectively. Countries, religions and ethnic groups, all have ways of celebrating the newly crowned adulthood of their teenagers. Cutting away the clitoris and labia in girls as young as seven to 15 years of age represents the centerpiece of this most important rite of passage in the life of a Maasai girl -- at least until a few years ago. In some parts of China, there has recently been a resurgence of the Confucian-style coming of age ceremonies Ji Li (for girls) and Guan Li (for boys). August 2018, Kimanjo, North of Mpala On a normal day, the Explore community might witness hyenas unsettling an elephant herd on the live cameras at Mpala, the home of African wildlife. Nearly all African cultures hold that the infant has come from the spirit world with important information from that … Both genders dress in traditional-style kimonos and attend ceremonies at local city or prefecture offices, where they listen to official speeches and receive gifts. It is a unique moment of prayer, thanksgiving and joy to all the family members and the community at large. A rare centuries-old initiation ceremony within an African community has been captured in a series of stunning images documenting the young boy's journey as they come of age. Umemulo, also known as the “coming of age, is an important Zulu ritual that celebrates a young girl’s journey into womanhood. With the elders' approval, the young men were approached, learning that it was alright to marry an uncircumcised girl and -- not unimportantly -- that sex is better with an uncircumcised wife! Japan holds a coming-of-age ceremony every year on the second Monday in January for young people who have reached the age of 20 to celebrate their adulthood from that day. The Walkabout coming of age ceremony is a rite of passage for young men between the ages of 10 and 16 (though most commonly 12-13) years old. Enter your email to receive news and updates on the latest African narratives, Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Harambee: How this long-standing tradition has made Kenya the most generous country in Africa, Five unique traditions only Moroccans will understand, Africa And The Culture Of Body Modification, Here are five ways to stay out of jail when in Morocco. A number of celebrations associated with the coming of age of young women nevertheless survive to this day, while the Reed Ceremony, associated with puberty rites among the Swazi, was adopted by their Zulu-speaking neighbours as late as the mid-1980s. It is indeed a beautiful ritual. The Ojibwe, one of the largest indigenous groups in North America, with communities from Quebec to Montana, are revitalizing the “berry fast,” a coming-of-age ritual for girls. The ceremony indicates that the young girl has transitioned from a child and into an adult woman who can now get married. South Africa's Coming-of-Age Ceremonies Continue to Claim More Lives This winter's initiation season has already claimed the lives of 18 young men. The Maasai themselves designed the alternative rite of passage to traditional circumcision. Pigments: A series Exploring the Art of Body-Painting in Africa. It is usually done to young girls between 14 and 16 to prepare them for marriage. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday -- which takes place for the first time on Tuesday, November 27 -- is a movement intended to open the holiday season on a philanthropic note. In our society, coming of age is often defined religiously as a Quinceñera, a Confirmation, and a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. To reduce the price, some families now do joint ceremonies with other girls coming of age, or they perform a shortened version of the original ceremony. For most girls, the coming of age passage represents the only real, significant moment in her life where she takes center stage and is recognized by her family, relatives, peers and fellow clan members. Keep up this age old African tradition. In Zambia, the Lunda people refer to the rite of passage as “ mukanda.” It is considered the most powerful, awe-inspiring experience that every man … Eighteen shots are then taken as a toast to each commemorative speech given to the debutante. This ceremony is the transition into a new age set. So we see that girls are, indeed, growing up faster than ever before. Explore all African Countries. 'Uncircumcised' girls are often rejected by their circumcised peers and refused marriage by men who are taught to marry only girls who have been cut. They are too old to be considered children, but they have not yet found their place in the adult world. They are blessed by their tribal elders with milk and water. We embrace the local traditions of our homes and the coming of age ceremony for boys is certainly a hallmark. As parents, it … Looking at Africa through its Art, and those who create it. Traditionally, umemulo was performed around the age of puberty and awarded to young girls who had respected their bodies but with evolving times and western influence on African culture, the ceremony is now done when girls reach the age of 21. Hope they are all well and healthy? Share: The Transkei tribe is a really old tribe of Southern Africa that has many traditions. It is an important milestone and it marks a difficult time for many young people. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote! In our society, coming of age is often defined religiously as a Quinceñera, a Confirmation, and a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. However, due to expense, it is often delayed until later. All rights reserved. Thousands of Maasai men clad in red and purple shawls and with their heads coated in red ocher gathered for a ceremony that transforms them from Moran (warriors) to Mzee (elders). Some call it a Black bar mitzvah, some a bro mitzvah, while many stick to the more generic “rite of passage.” The ‘coming of age’ ceremony is a significant rite among many cultures. Take our weekly Africa Quiz and test your knowledge on Africa and its culture, countries, tribes, history and so much more. 12 Captivating Coming of Age Ceremonies From Around the World See how young women in Indonesia, Ghana, the Philippines, and more countries get inducted into adulthood. But the prize for most extreme coming-of-age ceremony likely goes to the Sateré-Mawé people, who live deep in the Amazon. Ulwaluko, traditional circumcision and initiation into manhood, is an ancient initiation rite practised (though not exclusively) by the amaXhosa, and is commonly practised throughout South Africa.The ritual is traditionally intended as a teaching institution, to prepare young males for the responsibilities of manhood. By Kristina Rodulfo ... Maasai coming of age ceremony. The Western world has little by way of male initiation rituals, but coming-of-age-type ceremonies do pop up here and there. Around 15,000 men from all over Kenya and neighboring Tanzania congregated in Maparasha Hills in Kajiado County, 128 kilometers from Nairobi, to feast on an estimated 3,000 bulls and 30,000 goats and sheep. The ceremony indicates that the young girl has transitioned from a child and into an adult woman who can now get married. Non-religiously, there are secular transitions such as graduations, but they are not as celebratory as the traditions of the African people. Go to www.givingtuesday.org to learn more and get involved. African History according to its culture, chieftaincy, politics, democracy and so forth. But the Bora is not the only coming of age ceremony still practiced by Aboriginal Australians, and the second is the polar opposite of the adrenaline fueled group ceremony. By working in the African tradition with much patience, empathy and involvement of the decision-makers, AMREF has slowly brought about great change. This tradition is very old and all the boys must go through the ceremony before he can be accepted as a full-fledged man. And it can be expensive. 20-year-olds attend a Coming of Age Day ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, January 11, 2021. Each year the ceremony is marked with beautiful outfits, music and wonderful traditional cuisine. The girls participate in a three-day long session about sex education, self-confidence and human rights, a critical part of the ritual as it promotes the girls' feelings of self-worth in view of their lower status compared to boys. Circumcision ceremony is the most vital initiation of all rite of passages in the Maasai society. Today’s ceremony was held on a beautiful hill top with a 360 degree view of the area. Connecting you to Africa through telling stories of her culture, history and heritage. The Apache Coming Of Age Tradition: The Sunrise Ceremony. Meet Dr. Esther Mahlangu one of South Africa’s most famous artists. Unfortunately, that means that the most popular start-of-the-year event for 20-year-olds in the city, the Coming of Age Ceremonies, are changing form, being postponed, or being cancelled altogether. Today’s ceremony was held on a beautiful hill top with a 360 degree view of the area. This blog is part of our #GivingTuesday series, produced by The Huffington Post and the teams at InterAction, 92nd Street Y,United Nations Foundation, and others. The Transkei Coming of Age Ceremony. Ji Li is the Confucian coming of age ceremony for Han women that has seen a resurgence in recent years. By . It took her two years to break down the barriers, but eventually, through persistence, she was accepted and they now listen to her. The maasai carrie many rituals and celebration from their culture such as their coming of age ritual where young boys become men as they must transition and complete the ceremony. Nice brings girls together to talk about their bodies and their rights. Come see the Zuzu tribe. Posted on November 7, ... We publish inspiring and thought-provoking stories and photo galleries about African wildlife and safaris for our sophisticated international community. A rare centuries-old initiation ceremony within an African community has been captured in a series of stunning images documenting the young boy's journey as they come of age. Turning 20 is a significant step in Japanese culture, and both men and women commemorate this landmark with Seijin no Hi or ‘Coming of Age Day’ on the second Monday of January. Young women also have coming-of-age ceremonies 'umemulo'. The most momentous occasion is when children transition from child to adult. The age at which a person is initiated in a coming of age ceremony varies – Jewish Bar and Bat Mitzvahs take place when the you… Maasai Warriors Coming of Age Ceremony. The dialogue began with the tribal elders who were convinced of the advantages of eliminating female circumcision. The Emuratare ceremony is a life-changing milestone for Maasai boys and girls who celebrate their transition into adulthood. https://africageographic.com/stories/video-maasai-coming-age-ceremony She is now ready for marriage -- no matter how young she is. Hope they are all well and healthy? Hadithi Africa is a contemporary educative platform that promotes and showcases the African narrative. The ceremonies typically honor youth who have turned 20, and provide a fun opportunity to wear traditional dress. In most African communities, wedding ceremonies involve feasting, animal sacrifice, dancing, and blessings. However, it continues in many nomadic societies and is typically performed by a traditional healer or 'cutter' without anesthesia, in an unhygienic environment and without medical knowledge. October 3, 2018. Iria ritual (Niger Delta states) Various tribes in Niger Delta states practice the iria ritual. Coming of Age Ceremonies celebrate the young adults who are turning 20, which is the age of adulthood in Japan, and typically occur on the second Monday in January. For some cultures it is considered a dangerous time. Under Jewish Law, individuals are only required to formally observe the commandments once they reach a specific age (12 for girls, 13 for boys). This ceremony is the transition into a new age set. In parts of the continent, these traditions remain strong, while in others, changing social, economic and political conditions have had a profound influence on the extent to which these ceremonies are performed and the forms the rituals … In Bali, the coming of age ceremony is supposed to take place after a girl's first menstrual period or a boy's voice breaks. The Walkabout Ceremony . Because 18 is the age of which filipino women celebrate coming of age – said to be because women mature sooner – traditions such as 18 members of the entourage and 18 roses and candles, stand to represent this milestone. Modern-day rituals are common, and many of these extend far back in history. Executive Director, African Medical and Research Foundation, Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Circumcision ceremony is the most vital initiation of all rite of passages in the Maasai society. Circumcision & Coming of Age Ritual "Going to the Bush is a Xhosa ritual where boys in South Africa are initiated into manhood. After enkipaata ceremony, boys are ready for the most important initiation known as Emuratare (circumcision). Keep up this age old African tradition. So it was particularly significant and singularly courageous, for Nice, a young Maasai girl who was orphaned at age nine, to run away from home when her uncle and grandfather wanted her to be cut. Rather than merely striving to enter adulthood, young Mandan boys were hoping to be recognized as warriors through the ritual. These teens from the Xhosa tribe wear traditional garb and paint after their coming-of-age circumcision ceremony near Qunu, South Africa. The Transkei tribe is a really old tribe of Southern Africa that has many traditions. Circumcision & Coming of Age Ritual "Going to the Bush is a Xhosa ritual where boys in South Africa are initiated into manhood. Coming Of Age Sayings and Quotes. Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) is a Japanese holiday held annually on the second Monday of January. READ: More South African Young Men Continue to Die in Coming-of-Age Initiation Ceremonies. — Kim (@Kim99733740) July 15, 2018. Though it is now a rarity, traditionally all Apache girls were required to complete the sunrise ceremony, also known as Na’ii’ees or the puberty ceremony, during the summer following their first menstruation. Together with the Maasai and with respect for all parties, AMREF has succeeded in finding a way to make tradition and progress join hands. Although the age at which these rituals take place varies conside… Cite this page Michelle Johnson, “Childhood: Coming of Age Rituals: Sub-Saharan Africa”, in: Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures , General Editor Suad Joseph. Female genital cutting causes not only physical health problems, but as soon as a girl is 'cut,' she is considered a 'woman' and typically no longer listens to her mother. The bulls are smeared with dung to make them slippery. CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images During the first 7 days the initiates are confined to a hut and the use of certain foods, for example meat, is restricted, but this may differ as certain homes have their own beliefs or ways of doing things. Home › Events › Culture › The Transkei Coming of Age Ceremony. The Rite of Birth is the first of the major African initiation rites and it involves initiating the infant into the world through a ritual and naming ceremony. Get to know Africa by Country. In addition, girls are encouraged to continue with school and the elders, mothers and fathers, to invest in the girls. Having long been present helping the Maasai drill water wells and delivering health services, AMREF has earned their trust and respect -- two essential conditions that underpin our current work in changing traditional attitudes towards female genital cutting. 0. 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