Week 12 - Chapter 17

Most cultures mark the transition of life stages from childhood to adulthood. In 3-6 sentences, discuss a "rite of passage" that adolescents can go through, and describe the rite itself, as well as the changes in adult responsibilities, privileges, and status that accompany it. This rite of passage can be from your own culture or another culture; please feel free to draw on the readings and/or your own experiences.

     During my childhood, my mother, a woman of mostly Hawaiian and Korean descent, wanted to pass on to my sister and I some of the heritage of our Hawaiian ancestors.  Although we didn't learn about any of the rites of passage during our childhood, she always made a point to incorporate some of the small rituals of her Hawaiian upbringing.  For instance at some of the significant events in my life like graduation, my eighteenth birthday, and my wedding, she always presented me with a Hawaiian lei.  Through some research on the WWW I learned about some specific rites of passage that Hawaiians are taught.

    The Hawaiians are very in-tune with all things belonging to nature.  To that point, young adolescent hawaiians are taught the art of Lom Luni.  A type of spiritual massage that strengthens the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of Hawaiians.  The teachings of Lom Luni will prepare the young Hawaiian for the tasks that they must conquer as adults.  The teachings also focus on strengthening the mind and body through the healing powers of massage.

http://www.kahunasource.com/body.html

http://www.huna.org/html/kinotrng.html

http://www.byregion.net/profiles/suzanne.html

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