initiasjon

Initiasjon is the process by which an individual is admitted or introduced into a group, profession, or phase of life, often accompanied by a ceremony or set of teachings that signals a new status. The term is derived from Latin initiare, meaning to begin, and is used across languages to describe both cultural rites and institutional procedures.

In traditional societies, initiation marks the transition from youth to adulthood and may involve tests, instruction in group norms, and symbolic acts. In modern contexts, initiation occurs in religious communities, professional associations, military units, sports teams, clubs, and universities. Some initiations are public ceremonies; others are private, and they may emphasize learning, oath-taking, or the conferral of insignia, duties, or privileges.

A typical initiation sequence includes preparation or instruction, a formal ritual or ceremony, and an integration phase in which the initiate assumes new roles and responsibilities within the group.

Contemporary discussions around initiation address safety and ethics. Hazing, coercion, or injury can raise legal and moral concerns, leading to regulation and reform in many places. Critics argue that some practices enforce conformity or exclude outsiders, while supporters view initiations as meaningful socialization, bonding, and transmission of shared values. Reforms commonly seek to preserve tradition while ensuring consent, safety, and inclusivity.

See also rites of passage, induction, onboarding, and initiation into professional bodies.