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This transition has much firmer guidelines and social memory to inform
the development of ‘Coming of Age’ ceremonies. 18th and 21st birthdays
have been around for some time.
The rights and responsibilities of adulthood are much more clearly defined legally.
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Thus
it could be assumed that these rights and responsibilities are more
likely to be understood by our society generally. Is this so for our
adolescents?
The major focus of turning 18 seems to be on having the right to drink
alcohol and smoke cigarettes, as if legal drug taking is the ultimate
goal of being an adult ! This statement is made as an observation, not
as a criticism or moral judgment,
How could our society use ceremony to ensure its younger citizens were
more aware of the broader range of their rights and responsibilities to
provide a more balanced view of “being an adult”?
Whether celebrants initiate such ceremonies themselves or are hired to
facilitate them, there is a lot of work to be done in developing such
ceremonies in the Australian context.
Whilst churches and schools may play some role in this period of
transition, the key role that may be played by civil celebrants, is the
design and delivery of such ceremonies that allow for social inclusion.
Civil ceremonies are unique in that they can uphold basic human rights
and responsibilities, whilst respecting the cultural, social,
religious, gender, economic, ability and other differences between
people.
A ‘Coming of Age’ ceremony may
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Celebrate the rights and responsibilities bestowed on the new adult
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Mourn the loss of childhood privileges and protections
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Acknowledges the benefits and challenges of this newly acquired, though not necessarily experienced, role.
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Affirms the importance of learning to be ‘inter-dependent’
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Affirm the ongoing support of parents, mentors, friends and peers
Ceremonies usually involve music, singing, story-telling, poetry, prose
and could also involve dance, processions and the use of symbols such
as lighting candles or using Dreams & Treasure boxes.
Such a ceremony could involve families, peer and community groups participating as much as possible.
The role of a celebrant would be to
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work with the group to plan the ceremony for its form and content are psychologically and socially appropriate
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lead and guide the ceremony through its various stages,
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conclude the ceremony, by affirming the participants and the value of this next stage of life’s journey
Ceremonies are usually followed by some food and drink, again
appropriate to the situation. Depending on where such an event is held,
such a meal could be a picnic, an BYO luncheon or afternoon tea in a
community hall or catered for by an appropriate restaurant or function
centre.
Being newer ceremonies finding a celebrant to use may take a little
time. Please contact us if you need assistance locating such a
celebrant.
If you have ideas to share about how such a ceremony could work or suggestions for its components please write to us at
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If you have been to such a ceremony and would like to share with others
the things that worked and things to avoid please register, then go to
FORUMS and submit your experiences or suggestions.
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