Initiation rite

Initiation rites are formalized, ceremonial rites of passage as an individual moves from stage to stage within a social career or formally acquires such status.

The term often relates to the transition from childhood to adulthood, and may involve secret or private procedures and/or painful and difficult trials before the initiate can become a "real" or "accepted" man or woman who the community is bonded to; and who is bonded to the community.

Examples include:

Hunter-gatherer societies have a reputation for dramatic pre-requisites before an initiate can become a full adult, marriageable member of society.

In Christianity, baptism is an initiation rite. Some Christian churches offer a traditional sacrament of confirmation as an initiation rite recognizing full membership in itself and a re-capping of infant baptism; others are more strict.

In Judaism, a Bar Mitzvah or a Bat Mitzvah ceremony performs a similar religious coming-of-age function.

Many school systems feature a graduation ceremony as an initiation rite marking the end of a stage of learning.

Secret societies often require their candidates for membership to undergo such rites.

Patents for initiation devices

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued patents for devices to be used in initiation rites, including:

No. 654,611 Initiating Device (issued in 1900)
No. 920,837 Combined Lifting and Spanking Machine (issued in 1909)
No. 953,411 Trick Weight-Lifting Machine (issued in 1910)
No. 6,293,874 User-operated amusement apparatus for kicking the user's buttocks (issued in 2001)

External links

See also: Initiation rite, 1900, 1909, 1910, 2001, Adulthood, B'nai Mitzvah, Baptism, Career, Ceremony