What characterizes a "rite of passage" compared to a "secular ritual"?

A "rite of passage" is characterized by its role in marking significant life transitions, such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death. This type of ritual serves to acknowledge changes in status or identity within a community, often helping to facilitate the individual's transition from one stage of life to another. For instance, a graduation ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to graduate, while initiation ceremonies may mark the progression into adulthood.

In contrast, secular rituals can encompass a broader range of activities that do not necessarily signify an important life change but may instead serve social, cultural, or ceremonial purposes. Unlike rites of passage, which are deeply tied to personal transformations, secular rituals may center around communal celebrations or observances that lack the same depth of significance regarding personal identity or status shifts.

Thus, marking significant life transitions is what fundamentally distinguishes a rite of passage from other types of rituals, making it a vital component of cultural and social structures across various societies.