Naydler, J. (1996). Temple of the Cosmos. Rochester,
VT: Inner Traditions.
Silverman, D. P. (Ed.). (1997).Ancient Egypt.London:
Duncan Baird.
PUBERTY
Puberty is widely acknowledged throughout the
African continent as one of the most critical
moments in a person’s life, along with birth, mar-
riage, and death. This is the case because puberty
marks the beginning of sexual reproductive
capacity, and is therefore intimately linked with
fertility and procreation, two major concerns
of African religion. Given the significance of
puberty, there are, throughout Africa, specific
rites of passage meant to facilitate the transition
from childhood to adulthood. It must be noted
that rites of passage, in general, have played a
major role in African communities for hundreds
of years. They are well-thought-out and effective
programs designed to allow a person to move
with minimal stress to the next phase of his or her
existence. As people go through a series of trans-
formative processes that are a natural part of life,
rites of passage, set up by the community, will
assist them in their development as human
beings. Furthermore, because Africans only exist
in community, any personal development neces-
sarily takes place within a collective space, rather
than being an individual affair. Indeed, the
expected and desired outcome is that the commu-
nity will be enhanced as its individual members
gain in knowledge, consciousness, and wisdom.
Their new insights will allow them to contribute
to the maintenance and reinforcement of the
traditions and social order on which their com-
munity was established.
More specifically, puberty rites mark the pas-
sage from a relatively asexual world to the adult
sexual world. Puberty rites are characterized by
specific religious observances and their own set of
rituals. Most puberty rites are associated with
initiation. The latter, indeed, provides the usual
context within which puberty is acknowledged
as a pivotal moment, when special instruction
becomes necessary. The novices are usually taken
away from their daily environment and secluded
in a secret place away from the community. There
they are taught about life issues, especially as they
relate to sex, marriage, procreation, social
responsibilities, rules and prescriptions, taboos,
and violations. The purpose of initiation is, above
all, educational. Through initiation, young adults
further learn about the traditions and expecta-
tions of their community and will therefore be
able to contribute to the maintenance of social
order. The notions of symbolic death and resur-
rection play a key role in the initiation process.
The initiates must die to their child self in order
to be reborn into an adult self, one characterized
by greater knowledge of the world, deeper con-
sciousness, insight, and maturity. Also, those
undergoing initiation must take a vow of secrecy.
The novices are also tested, which is a critical
part of initiation. The testing usually involves
demonstrating physical endurance, mental
strength, and intelligence. It is often the time
when males are circumcised and females excised.
Circumcision distinguishes a man from a boy.
They must undergo the whole operation without
showing any sign of fear and without expressing
any discomfort. Failure to demonstrate fortitude
would bring shame and dishonor to them and
their family.
After the period of seclusion is over, the initiates
are reincorporated into their community, and this
marks the time of their official rebirth. Their hair
may be shaved off, their old clothes may be thrown
away, and they may receive new names—all sym-
bolic gestures indicating that they have become new,
mature individuals. The reunion of new initiates
with their family and community is a communal
festive time. All rejoice now that the new initiates are
ready to assume their new place in the community.
One of the major responsibilities and preroga-
tives associated with the successful completion of
initiation is marriage. Initiation, in fact, prepares
the young adults for marriage. Indeed, in most
African societies, one can get married only after
having been initiated.
Among the Maasai, for instance, the Eunoto
ceremony, which lasts for a whole week, is the
rite of passage that marks the transition from
childhood into adulthood for the males. It is an
elaborate ceremony that marks the end of a rela-
tively carefree life and the beginning of greater
responsibilities. The new initiates are then546 Puberty