description+of+the+significance+of+Initiation

[|**jo_kom**] **writes:** The initiation ceremony is very significant in Aboriginal life. It's the change from childhood to adulthood. An example of this is the Mandiwala initiation ceremony in the Northern Territory. Here, the initiation ceremony involves different aspects; including the abduction of the novice by fathers from mothers, circumcision, smoking ceremony, death of child, and acceptance of adulthood; covering different parts in becoming an adult, all being significant.

The novice sleeps with his mothers before the initiation ceremony, having his last couple of days as a child. He is then taken by his fathers in the middle of the night and beaten. This alone is very significant for this is the first step of the initiation ceremony. It works symbolically with the fathers abducting the novice from childhood and toughening him up to prepare him for adult life.

The circumcision is the next step in transforming child into adult. The foreskin is removed with a sharp stone, often assisted by the fathers, working symbolically, removing the past life, childhood, from the novice. This is compulsory for the initation ceremony, being a significant part in changing a boy into a man.

After this, in the Mandiwala initiation ceremony, mothers and fathers walk their sons over to where the smoking ceremony is to occur. The novice is placed in a fire of green leaves allowing the past life of being a child to burn away. This is also very significant for it helps to prepare the child for adult life. Women cover their faces for they arn't allowed to watch. This is important for the ceremony is private and focusses on changing boy into a man. This ceremony allows the boy to die.

The child is then abandoned in the bush for a couple of weeks, to fend for himself, untill his wounds heal. He is seen as dead at this point, with mothers mourning their sons' death. Due to the belief that it is bad luck to see a dead person in Aboriginal culture, the dead novice is expected to make a specific noise warning others that he is there and not to come near. This part of the ceremony is also very significant allowing the novice to truly leave his past life and prepare himself for hisupcoming responsibilities.

After the wounds have healed, the initiate returns to the tribe as an adult and is welcomed with open arms. His name is changed allowing him to completely forget his past life. This is significant for it is the final step of the initiation ceremony. It introduces the initiate to a new life, a new identity as an adult.

The initiation ceremony is very important for the Mandiwala tribe in the Northern Territory. It allows children to turn into adults in symbolic, traditional ways including the abduction of the novice, circumcision, smoking ceremony, death of child, and life of adult. By celebrating this ceremony, Aboriginals are able to connect with their spirituality and strengthen their future.