Circumcision Ritual as a Rite of Passage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Circumcision Ritual as a Rite of Passage - Essay Example The separation phase in East African circumcision ceremony occurs when young boys of about 12-15 years are picked by young adults from their homes and assembled in the bush (Prazak, 2004). In the bush, the foreskins of their penis are cut off to symbolize the elimination of childhood as one prepares to become an adult. Separation occurs because the boys go away from their home and spend some time in the bushes where they are circumcised and wait to be healed. The transition phase in this ritual is the time when the boys stay in the bushes as they wait to heal. Within this period, the boys are taught the morals, traditions, values and norms of their communities (Prazak 2004). They are taught to be responsible in the society and to understand the key values of the community. The boys are also treated in this phase with traditional herbs so that they can heal faster. Lastly, the boys sing, dance, and eat throughout this transition period. This phase is transitional period because the activities prepare the boys to move into new world of more responsibility as adults in the society.