Rites of Passage

A rite of passage is defined as a ritual or experience that marks a major milestone or change in a person’s life, and it can be particularly important for children. The term “rites of passage” was coined in 1909 by the French anthropologist Arnold van Gennep, who observed that these ceremonies are a way to help individuals go through the difficulties of a social transition. Nowadays the term is in common use since it represents a reality deeply ingrained in the human mind.

This is an ancient tradition that almost all ethnic groups in The Gambia follow. It is performed to commemorate the passage from childhood to adulthood. For boys in their teens, the practice is usually carried out on the outskirts of the village, where they will spend months in the bush. The boys will be taught about their culture and their responsibilities as growing adults during this time, and they will have to go through cultural procedures. Some parents now prefer to take their children to health centers to save time and money while also avoiding risks. Girls used to be subjected to a similar procedure, but that has come to an end with the prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).