Transitions

Arnold van Gennep was a great anthropologist and folklorist of yesteryear. The academics in those fields shunned him because he didn’t come through their academic schools but his most celebrated discovery has outlasted many of theirs. In 1909 he published his famous book about how people cope with major life events such as birth, marriage and death. Its title, Les Rites de Passage, has led to an expression in everyday English and his insights remain helpful for all sorts of transitions.

Van Gennep found that significant changes usually have three phases. First, there is separation from the old and with it there are formal and informal ceremonies and customs that help people say goodbye to the old - parties, presents, services... Secondly, there is an uncertain, threshold or liminal phase when one foot is in the old and the other in the new and we are not sure where we are. This is reckoned to be a tricky time. Finally, there is incorporation when we become part of the new and with it there are welcomes and ceremonies and customs that help us into the new situation.

However, there is more to this than social engineering for managing changes by suitable ceremonies. As Christians we realise that God is with us. And this is a fullsome presence - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit with us along with the people of God as the body of Christ. In the liminal period when old friends are left behind and we haven't made new friends this God is still with us and so are strengthened and encouraged as we cross the threshold from one situation to another.