The Modern Boy’s Rite of Passage and the Lacking Component of Transcendental Death Acknowledgement

Abstract

This article explores the historical tendencies of male rites of passage and the modern expression of rite of passage as lacking the central component of transcendental death acknowledgement (Memento Mori) as seen for years past in various cultures. This article examines the necessity of developing an attunement toward objective transcendentalism among youth upon which an understanding of death may be appropriately developed. Without such a foundation, Memento Mori formulates hopelessness and fear within the boy, stunting his rite of passage into manhood. After offering cultural examples of death acknowledgement, we shall enter an analysis of Memento Mori on today’s cultural relativistic subjectivism to underscore the importance of objective transcendentalism before the incorporation of death acknowledgement within the rite of passage of the boy. This article concludes by offering insight into modern incorporation of Memento Mori within local communities.