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rite of passage
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Ancient Roman wall painting in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii, showing figures in flowing garments and dramatic poses against a vivid red background, with some damage at the top left. initiation ritual
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Ancient Roman wall painting in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii, showing figures in flowing garments and dramatic poses against a vivid red background, with some damage at the top left.
Pompeii: wall painting Dionysiac initiation rites and prenuptial ordeals of a bride, wall painting, c. 50 bce; in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii, Italy.

rite of passage

ceremonial event
Also known as: passage rite
Written by
Bobby C. Alexander
Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Texas, Dallas. Author of Televangelism Reconsidered: Ritual in the Search for Human Community.
Bobby C. AlexanderAll
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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•History

rite of passage, ceremonial event, existing in all historically known societies, that marks the passage from one social or religious status to another. This article describes these rites among various societies throughout the world, giving greatest attention to the most common types of rites; explains their purposes from the viewpoints of the people observing the rites; and discusses their social, cultural, and psychological significance as seen by scholars seeking to gain an understanding of human...

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