It’s wild when you think about it—across the world, in so many cultures, a girl’s first cycle is seen as a sacred rite of passage. In Indigenous communities, it’s marked with ceremonies, wisdom-sharing, and a sense of honour. Girls are guided into womanhood by their elders, taught to respect their bodies and recognize their power.
But in the Western world, it’s shut down.
in so many cultures, a girl’s first cycle is seen as a sacred rite of passage across the world
Instead of being celebrated, girls are taught to hide it. To whisper about it. To feel embarrassed instead of empowered. And in doing that, we rob them of something huge—the chance to step into their womanhood with pride, confidence, and self-trust.
And for boys? It’s even worse.
Because while girls at least have an undeniable biological moment of transition, there’s nothing built into modern Western culture to guide boys into manhood. No moment that says, You are no longer a boy. You are a man now, and here’s what that means.
In traditional societies, boys undergo real initiations—physical, emotional, and mental challenges that mark their transition into adulthood. They are mentored by strong men, taught discipline, and given a clear sense of responsibility and purpose.
But now? Most boys aren’t getting that.
Instead, they’re left to figure it out alone—getting lost in video games, endless scrolling, and the online cesspit of toxic influencers who promise to show them what being a man means… but in all the wrong ways.
And this is the problem.
Without rites of passage for both girls and boys, we’re seeing exactly what we see today—misplaced youth, confusion, addiction, and a generation of boys stuck in boyhood because no one ever showed them how to step into being men.
So What’s the Solution?
Boys need spaces to be challenged, to get their energy out, and to be surrounded by men who actually embody respect, honor, and integrity. Some of the best ways to do this?
Outdoor adventure – Wilderness survival, hiking, and bushcraft force boys to tap into resilience, problem-solving, and self-reliance. Nature is the ultimate teacher.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – This is one of the best martial arts for young men. It teaches focus, discipline, humility, and strength—and channels that wild energy into something powerful.
Male mentors and role models – Surround them with good men—elders, teachers, and leaders who have walked the path and understand what it really means to be a man.
And for girls? It’s time to change the conversation around their cycle and bring back the celebration. They should enter womanhood knowing that their body is powerful, not shameful.
Books to Read & Share:
For Teenage Girls to Celebrate Their Cycle:
Wild Power – Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer
The Red Tent – Anita Diamant (fiction, but a stunning perspective on ancient menstrual rites)
Code Red – Lisa Lister
Reaching for the Moon – Lucy H. Pearce (written specifically for young girls)
For Teenage Boys & Rites of Passage:
Iron John: A Book About Men – Robert Bly
Raising Boys – Steve Biddulph
The Way of the Superior Man – David Deida
The Warrior Within – John Little (on Bruce Lee’s philosophy of manhood)
Rites of passage aren’t just a nice idea—they’re necessary. Without them, boys stay boys, and girls disconnect from their power.
It’s time to bring back the initiations, challenges, and celebrations of stepping into adulthood. When young men and women are properly guided into their next chapter, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
