Past Exhibitions
Rites of Passage :Our Journeys Through Life
AUGUST 29, 2012 — MARCH 14,2013
Honoring the important milestonesof human development helps us to stay in touch with our own natural cycles– as individuals, as a culture, and as a community – and better understand that we’ve crossed a threshold and arechanged from one state of being to another.
This amazing collection reflects diverse cultures, generations, and experiences. From Somalia’s Shaash Saar to Mexico’s Quinceañera to the scarring of a young Sudanese man’s forehead, Rites of Passage: Our Journeys Through Life provides insight into the many different ways that life’s transitions are honored and celebrated.
Through a unique partnership between museums from Balboa Park and residents from southeastern San Diego, the Center for Community & Cultural Arts presents this special exhibition to share stories, artifacts, and photos of rites of passage practiced around the world.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind exhibit!
Examples of Rites of Passage...
Though celebrated in many different ways, the marriage of two people is a special rite practiced by most cultures. Some have adopted the custom in which a bride wears a white wedding dress and veil. In other cultures, such as in China and India, the traditional wedding gown is red. An Indian Hindu wedding ceremony features the tying together of the bride and groom’s scarves to symbolize their union.
In Somali culture, the traditional wedding rites include the shaash saar ceremony. On the seventh day after her wedding, a new bride is joined in celebration by women from her community. Guests circle the bride and sing as they lay a shaash (scarf) on her head, symbolizing her passage into womanhood.
Many cultures have celebrations that mark a young woman’s passage from childhood to adulthood. On a girl’s fifteenth birthday, many Latino cultures celebrate with a Quinceañera and several Native American cultures honor her with a traditional Corn Maiden celebration. In the Philippines, the girl’s Debut happens on the eighteenth birthday.
Exhibition Classes & Programming
| Thursday Sept. 13 6 - 8pm |
 Spoken Word NightRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Experience life’s rites of passage through a poetic journey with some of San Diego’s premiere spoken word artists and members of the nationally renowned San Diego Slam Team. Including performances by: |
| Thursday Sept. 20 6 - 8pm |
 Huichol Sikuli (Ojo de Dios) WorkshopRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Izcalli and Huichol Native Rosendo Carrillo will share stories and lead a hands-on activity on the sikuli, also called God’s Eye or Ojo de Dios. You’ll learn how the sikuli is used in the Huichol culture and the basic weaving techniques needed to create your own. 60 PERSON LIMIT |
| Thursday Sept. 27 6 - 8pm |
 Samoan Tapa WorkshopRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Learn about the history of the siapo (tapa) and why it is so important in the Samoan culture. Tupito Gadalla, from a family that is well known for this art, will guide you in making your own tapa cloth. 30 PERSON LIMIT |
| Wednesday Oct. 10 6 - 8pm |
 Indigenous Dance and StorytellingRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Enjoy an evening with noted author and musician Jerry Tello and the group Sacred Circles. Through music, dance, storytelling, and humor, this performance ensemble will offer rites of passage teachings from the Aztec, Mayan, and Meso-American traditions. |
| Thursday Oct. 11 6 - 8pm |
 National Coming Out DayRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Join us for a night of live music, dance, and panel discussions about the rite of coming out in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered communities and the significance of National Coming Out Day. |
| Wednesday Oct. 24 6 - 8pm |
 Philippine Dance Workshop and DemoRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Experience the Philippines through its dance traditions in this workshop lead by PASACAT. From the islands of Leyte to Mindanao, you’ll learn the history and basics of the culture’s many bamboo dances. |
| Saturday Oct. 27 5 - 7pm |
 African American StorytellingRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Join Black Storytellers as we celebrate our cultural rites and passages through stories, song, drum and dance. Featuring the internationally renowned “Stories that Sing” storyteller Victoria Burnett. |
| Saturday Nov. 10 9am - 4pm |
 Chamorro Cultural DayRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Come and learn about the history of the Chamorro people. This workshop is a compilation of transitions the Chamorro culture and language have experienced to reflect changes in philosophies, attitudes and expectations. |
| Saturday Dec. 1 3 - 5pm |
 Sudanese Forehead ScarringRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Come learn about how a Sudanese boy transitions to adulthood by having his forehead scarred. We will have speakers who have gone through this rite of passage talk about their experiences and what it meant to them and their communities. |
| Wednesday Dec 12 5:30 - 7:30pm |
 Zen Meditation WorkshopRites of Passage Exhibition Programming The Venerable Xian Zhong will lead a Dharma Talk and discuss his rite of passage as he transitioned into becoming a Buddhist Monk. The evening will also include a meditation session led by Jeff from "Buddha for You – Your Peaceful Place." |
| Saturday Jan 26 5 - 7pm |
 The Refugee ExperienceRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Learn how the Somali refugee community survived their journey to the United States – truly the most difficult period of their lives. We all strive for peace and prosperity regardless of background, color, or creed – yet our differences as people highlight our commonality to preserve and overcome in the face of danger, hunger, and fear. |
| Saturday Feb 16 5 - 7pm |
 Egyptian MummificationRites of Passage Exhibition Programming Examine a real sarcophagus and join us for a fascinating presentation about Ancient Egyptian funeral rites with Professor Chuck Ambers of Casa del Rey Moro African Museum. |
| Tuesday Feb 26 6 - 8pm |
 The Samoan WayRites of Passage Exhibition Programming The Samoan culture is rich in traditions passed on from generation to generation. Samoans living in the United States work hard to preserve these ancient and sacred ceremonies. Learn about Fa’asamoa, "The Samoan Way," and the history and proper presentation of selected Samoan rites of passage. |
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