Rites of Passage

• Religious education
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Rites of Passage

Lesson Objectives

• To understand what a 'rite of passage' is
• To create a timeline of your own past and future rites of passage
• To consider how someone else's timeline might be different to my own

What is happening in each of these pictures?

Rite of Passage

a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, especially birth, the transition from childhood to adulthood, marriage, and death.

How many rites of passage can you think of?
Create a mind map in your notes

Rites of Passage

Lesson Objectives

• To understand what a 'rite of passage' is
• To create a timeline of your own past and future rites of passage
• To consider how someone else's timeline might be different to my own

This has already happened to me

This will certainly happen to me

This will probably happen to me

This is unlikely to happen to me

This certainly won't happen to me

Rites of Passage: My Expectations

Birth

Burial

Explaining my choices

1. Complete these sentences:

• I am sure that ... This is because ...
• I think it is likely that ... This is because ...
• I don't expect that I will ... This is because

2. Extension Question

Compare your table with that of another student.

How are they the same? How are they different? Why?

My Timeline

1. Work in landscape format on blank A4 paper.
2. Draw a line down the middle of the page to represent your life
3. Use a scale of 1 cm = 5 years and make it 20cm long, i.e. 100 years ... we're being optimistic here!
4. Mark the rites of passage you've already experienced, e.g. baptism, First Communion, ...
5. Add those you expect will happen in the future

Notes

• The average age for first marriage in the UK is 31 years
• The average life expectancy is currently about 80 years.

What is the purpose of a Bar-Mitzvah?

1. To mark the coming of age
2. To celebrate a college graduation
3. To announce a new job
4. To honor a wedding anniversary

Which of the following is a common symbol in a wedding ceremony?

1. Exchanging rings
2. Releasing doves
3. Throwing rice
4. Lighting a candle

What typically happens during a baptism?

1. Water is used for purification
2. A dance performance is presented
3. A bonfire is lit
4. Bread is shared with the community

What is the main purpose of a funeral?

1. To announce a promotion
2. To honor and remember the deceased
3. To plan a vacation
4. To celebrate a birthday

What is the significance of a Quinceañera ceremony?

1. Honors a retirement
2. Marks the start of summer vacation
3. Commemorates a high school graduation
4. Celebrates a girl's 15th birthday and transition to womanhood