For our 53rd issue, Ancient Origins Magazine delves into the universal milestone of coming of age, exploring how this transformative transition has been marked across cultures and eras. From Japan’s Genpuku ceremony and the Ojibwe Berry Fast to ancient Greece’s Arkteia, one feature examines ten fascinating traditions that reflect societal values and the guidance offered to youth. Other articles investigate cultural milestones like the Mesoamerican Quinceañera and the Australian Aboriginal Walkabout, showcasing the diverse ways societies have shaped the journey to adulthood.
In an illuminating interview, Terri Allison and Janet Lucy discuss their book Moon Mother, Moon Daughter, offering insights into the enduring need to create meaningful ceremonies for young women. Their work underscores the importance of nurturing identity and connection during these formative years.
We journey to the Yorkshire Moors, where the Brontë diary papers reveal the challenges of transitioning to adulthood as women in their era. Through the life of Catherine of Aragon, we uncover the stark realities of medieval European royalty, where children were often bound by political marriages to consolidate power. Historian Macarena Montes provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of women who, faced with limited choices, retreated into seclusion at the Museum of the Conceptionist Nuns. Meanwhile, we explore the harsh discipline of the Spartan agoge, a brutal system that forged boys into unyielding warriors.
Our Faces of History feature returns with a striking report on the work of facial reconstruction expert Cícero Moraes, shedding light on how the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius forever shaped the lives—and preserved the remains—of its victims. To close, we explore the festive spirit of the season with an in-depth look at Saturnalia, the Roman festival of mischief and merriment that laid the groundwork for many of our modern holiday traditions.
