rite of passage

rite of passage

An event or activity often performed or experienced as part of passing from one stage of life to another. Bar Mitzvah celebrations are a rite of passage as Jewish boys become men. Getting lost while trying to find their classrooms is kind of a rite of passage for freshmen at this school.

See also: of, passage, rite

rite of passage

a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, especially birth, initiation, marriage, and death.

See also: of, passage, rite