The Mbuti Tribe

5 Pages 1132 Words

From day one, culture has been an important role in most people’s lives. We see its role in everyday activities ranging from marriage to simple games and sporting events. Culture is the grandfather of life. Many people take culture lightly, but even as time progresses, we are introduced to new cultures and lifestyles. Have you ever eaten spaghetti or even tortilla? Or maybe even wondered where your style of clothing originated? It was said in a recent issue of Time Magazine that without knowing it, people are experiencing at least five different cultural patterns, whether it be through telecommunications, food, or even dress. This may seem absurd but thinking about it, one might encounter more. As far as most are concerned nowadays, religion is the most common cultural symbol. Whether it’s rituals or organization, religion is the bond that binds. In this essay, I plan to introduce two different “rights of passage” for girls in becoming women. The first is the Mbuti Pygme, Elima and the next is the Catholic/Spanish Quinceniera. Both celebrate the puberty of young girls but do it in completely different ways. I plan to compare and contrast.
The Mbuti Pygmes are a group of hunter/gatherers that live in harmony with the forest that surrounds them. These hunter/gatherers are a prime example of culture when it coincides with everyday living. One of the main rituals that have stuck out in my mind, was the Elima or the woman’s right of passage. From the age of birth, boys and girls live as one together, not knowing sexes or role playing, but when the girls first menstrual period begins, the Mbuti start to learn separation. At the time of this first menstrual period the camp celebrates with what is known as the Elima festival, in which the girl and a couple of chosen friends are the center of attention. During the Elima festival these girls live in the Elima house, where the male Mbuti waits patiently for the beginn...