coming of age

coming of age Many cultures have a unique way of accepting the leap from childhood to a manhood. These customs might be extremely different in each culture, but they share a common thread. The Jewish, Ibo and Mayan cultures are examples of variant societies that share the common notion that this stage should be marked in a distinctive way. In the Jewish religion, boys are not obligated to observe the commandments, although they are encouraged …

…did the Jewish boys. The Jewish, Ibo and Mayan cultures all believe, even though committed in different ways, that this transitional stage in a boys life should be distinguished by certain events. Although the cultures' practices and customs are quite different, the unifying theme is marking the passage to adulthood in a ritualistic prescribed manner. This allows all members of the societies involved to recognize this important passage: becoming an adult member of their group.