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Childbirth based on a Peruvian "idol". This picture explains the Rite of Passage (Childbirth). Additionally, it is specifically focusing on the second phase of the Stages. It is showing the transition from woman to mother.

The Rite of Passage of Childbirth is a three stage process discussed by Dutch-German-French ethnographer and folklorist Arnold van Gennep in his book The Rite of Passage. In this work van Gennep stated that there were three stages to the rite, Separation, Limen, and Aggregation, that are often connected to the trimesters that the women experience throughout their pregnancy. The concept of a rite of passage can be related to many different life experiences such as a change in status or the passage of time.

Stages

Separation

Separation is considered the first stage, and it occurs throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. In the first stage, "women are preparing to leave behind their old life and begin a new one" Throughout this stage, women are coming into realization that they will no longer relate to their former self. It is often a time where they "begin to surround themselves with a tribe of fellow new moms who are going through this or have been through this Rite of Passage".

Limen

Limen is considered the second stage, and it occurs throughout the second trimester of pregnancy. The second stage is where 'a woman is tested: physically, emotionally, and psychologically beyond the limit of their previous self". It is also referred to as the "transitional stage" and "the state of being "betwixt and between"

Aggregation

Aggregation is considered the third stage, and it occurs throughout the third trimester of pregnancy. The third stage is where a woman will become recognized based on her "new identity" in the community. The mother and child are then celebrated and welcomed by relatives and other individuals through rituals and ceremonies. The rituals and ceremonies recognize the completion of one phase and the beginning of another phase in the individual's life.

Rite of Passage

The Rite of Passage is demonstrated as an experience where an individual is going through the process of ending one phase of their life, which then proceeds to them entering a new phase in their life. The Rite of Passage can be related to many different life experiences; one of them being childbirth. The Rite of Passage is also known to honor the following experiences: Beginnings, Initiations, Partnering, and Deaths.

Rituals and Ceremonies

There are often rituals and ceremonies that occur in order to honor the Rite of Passage of childbirth; The materials used throughout the celebration are candles, music instruments, often individuals share a few words or songs, and individuals often dance or have body work completed to show respect and to bring awareness of this new life.

Examples of Naming Ceremonies

In various societies, the naming ceremony has become very common.

Muslim Migrants from Guinea-Bissau to Portugal

Muslim migrants from Guinea-Bissau to Portugal practice the Naming Ceremony. It is stated that the "naming-giving ritual falls upon the baby's father". It is normally held "about a week after a baby's birth" . However, there are cases where parents cannot afford the ceremony, which then individuals state "consider postponing the baby's naming until there is cash, and a date that does not interfere with with school and work schedules". The purpose of this ritual is to "fulfill your duty as a Muslim parent: giving your baby a good Muslim name and paying your husband's debt" .

Faroe Island Individuals

Individuals who live Life in the Faroe Islands also practice the Naming Ceremony. However, it is stated that the ritual is much simpler. Individuals normally "do not name their children until they have been christened". It is also important to note how they focus on "five hundred names from which Faroese parents must select their children's name.