Initations Into Adolescence.

The article presents an historical overview of initiation rites regarding adolescence and coming of age in human civilization. Details are given surveying the universal presence of rituals and social expectations for children on the verge of adulthood in several ages. Examples of popular attitudes regarding adolescents and their coming of age initiation rites are given from ancient pagan cultures, the ancient Jewish civilization, medieval and early modern Christian society, and in the contemporary U.S.