Rite of passage: An African indigenous knowledge perspective

A rite of passage is an event or ceremony practised within different cultural groups, especially among indigenous African people, to mark an important transition in life. It is an important stage that is celebrated at birth, the transition from childhood to adulthood, and during more stages. For example, in males, there is the circumcision ceremony known as (among Bapedi), (among AmaXhosa), (among Vatsonga), for males and for females (among Batswana), to name a few. This chapter describes the different rites of passage that indigenous African people practice marking the different stages of life. The chapter also describes the characteristics and the processes followed when these rites are being implemented. There are different types of rites of passage that indigenous people in Africa practice. The rites of passage are based on the notion of sharing life and vision with the community, which is rooted in the mystery of life and death. Again, these rites of passage are practised and performed based on age and health status. Therefore, health care professionals need to know the rites of passage practices of the communities they serve. This will enable them to understand the people they serve and be of assistance where possible. The different types of rites of passage practised in different cultural contexts in Africa are discussed concerning their impact on the health care system.