The Rites Of Passage

Arnold van Gennep

Psychology Press, 1960 - Social Science - 198 pages

Van Gennep was the first observer of human behaviour to note that the ritual ceremonies that accompany the landmarks of human life differ only in detail from one culture to another, and that they are in essence universal.
Originally published in English in 1960. This edition reprints the paperback edition of 1977.

What people are saying

Review: The Rites of Passage

User Review  - Ellen - Goodreads

Classic. Very important foundation for anthropological study. Probably dry if you're not passionate about anthropology, but the parts about bestiality would add a splash of interest for anyone - either for humour or an interest in people.

Review: The Rites of Passage

User Review  - Greg - Goodreads

This is a classic work in Anthropology, where he laid out his classification or rites, rites of separation (pre-liminal), rites of transition (liminal), and rites of incorporation (post-liminal). This would be greatly expanded on by Victor Turner.

Contents

• The Classification of Rites: 1
• The Territorial Passage: 15
• Individuals and Groups: 26
• Pregnancy and Childbirth: 41
• Birth and Childhood: 50
• Initiation Rites: 65
• Betrothal and Marriage: 116
• Funerals: 146
• Other Types of Rites of Passage: 166
• Conclusions: 189
• Index: 195

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Rites Of Passage; Volume 3 of Religion, rites & ceremonies in 5 volumes; Religion, rites and ceremonies, Arnold Gennep in 5 volumes; Routledge Library Editions; Routledge Library Editions: Anthropology and Ethnography
• Author: Arnold van Gennep
• Edition: reprint, revised
• Publisher: Psychology Press, 1960
• ISBN: 0415330238, 9780415330237
• Length: 198 pages
• Subjects: Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural; Social Science / Anthropology / General