The symbolism of liminality

Abstract

In this paper, the author discusses different understandings of the symbolism of liminality. According to Van Gennep’s definition, rites de passage are rites which accompany every change of place, state, social position and age. In primitive communities these changes are generally made public and their importance is hallowed by rites which follow a pattern. From the structural point of view, the liminal stage could also be regarded as a crucial phase in the sequence of the ritual drama. When rites of pas-sage are investigated as structured symbolic behaviour, it is also possible to find and isolate smaller units of analysis. Ritual behaviour is always the communication of the symbols which transmit some religious or other messages to the participants aware of their meanings.