Rites of Passage

Different cultures have different rites of passages. In Africa when women menstruate, they are sent away and taught by the older women about womanhood. The Zulus and the Lesse tribe in Zaire girls are secluded during the beginning of puberty. The Ndembus of Zambia seclude the girls for 3 months and can communicate with the outside only by messages played on a harp- like instrument. In Gabon, Africa the Eshira girls are painted white and wear red adornments for Mabandji rite. The red means life force and the white means strength and good reproductive health. The Massai shave their heads and their skin is painted with ochre which is a color lighter than skin color, in preparation for marriage. In Lome, West Africa girls are initialed into the Vodun religion which is voodoo. They are secluded, then taught and then returned to their family. They are full participants in their society.