Rites of Passage in the Garo Oral Literature

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Rites of passage birth and adolescence. 3. Rites and rituals during marriage negotiations and ceremony. 4. Funeral and post funeral rites and rituals. 5. Conclusion. Appendices. Bibliography. Glossary. Index.

The evolution of an individuals status in a community almost always constitutes a passage into a new and elevated social realm of existence. Such changes have the sanction of the elders and are often marked by elaborate initiation rites and rituals as a kind of proclamation conferring upon the individual a fair measure of rights on one hand and social duties and responsibilities on the other. Marking off events like birth puberty marriage and death rites of passage are ritualistics milestones that serve a biographical purpose.

Evolving over prolonged periods of time most communities must rely on a suitable medium to bequeath their folklore customs and traditions to successive generations. Among the ethnic Garos, these traditions, rites and rituals were until very recently passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. The narrative may take the form of verse set to music lyrical role playing or simple story telling depending on the occasion but they are all characterized by graphic depiction liberally embellished to aid the mnemonic process. (jacket)