Initiations and Transitions

• This chapter discusses initiations and transitions, two phenomena that can be found in all known cultures, both historically and geographically. Initiations and transitions are interlinked types of ritualized behavior, which share the basic common object of marking an event that leads to a new social and psychological state. Thus, when ritualized, they can be studied as rites of passage. Furthermore, the ritualized use of secrecy is frequently encountered in this type of ritual, especially in those that are connected to closed or secret societies, as shown in the case study of the chapter, the Entered Apprentice ritual of Freemasonry. Finally, the notion that the experience of undergoing a ritual of initiation is non-communicable, and how this is related to the use of secrecy, is discussed.

Ämnesord

HUMANIORA  -- Filosofi, etik och religion -- Religionsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Philosophy, Ethics and Religion -- Religious Studies (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Initiationsriter

ritualer

passageriter

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kap (ämneskategori)