Includes bibliographical references and index.

Machine derived contents note: Table of Contents -- Foreword by Clifton D. Bryant, Department of Sociology, Virginia Tech University -- Preface -- Part 1: Birth and Childhood -- Introduction -- Chapter 1: Conception and Pregnancy -- Introduction -- Baby Shower -- Birth Rituals for Fathers -- Protection Lore -- Guessing Gender -- Chapter 2: Greeting the Baby -- Introduction -- Jatakarma -- Reciting the Mool Mantra -- Whispering the Shahada and Tahnîk -- Chapter 3: Naming the Baby -- Introduction -- Namakarna -- Red Egg and Ginger Party -- Deceptive Naming -- Nam Karan -- Chapter 4: Entering the Faith -- Introduction -- Baptism -- Bris Milah -- Pidyon Ha-Ben -- Chapter 5: Firsts -- Introduction -- Aqiqah -- Annaprasana -- Upsherin -- Chudakarma -- Pueblo Presentation Ceremonies -- First Day of School -- First Lost Tooth -- First Communion and Reconciliation -- Chapter 6: Commemorating Birth -- Introduction -- Birthdays -- Saint¿s Days -- Part 2: Coming of Age -- Introduction -- Chapter 7: Religious Milestones -- Introduction -- Upanayana -- Hopi Initiation Ceremonies -- Bar and Bat Mitzvah -- Confirmation -- Quinceañera -- White Mountain Apache Sunrise Ceremony -- Lakota Awicalowanpi Ceremony -- Vision Quest -- Theravadin Buddhist Novice Monkhood -- Chapter 8: New Privileges and Responsibilities -- Introduction -- Driving -- First Dates -- Debutante Balls -- Chapter 9: School Events -- Introduction -- Prom -- High School Graduation -- Chapter 10: Revived and Reinvented Initiation Rites -- Introduction -- African-American Rites of Passage Programs -- Unitarian Universalist Coming of Age Programs -- Part 3: Adulthood -- Introduction -- Chapter 11: Courtship -- Introduction -- Dating -- Matchmaking -- Chapter 12: Getting Engaged -- Introduction -- Proposals -- Engagement Parties -- Chapter 13: Wedding Preparations -- Introduction -- Setting the Date -- Fasting and Ritual Bath -- Wedding Showers -- Attire -- Henna Body Painting -- Wedding Party -- Rehearsal Dinners and Other Pre-Wedding Gatherings -- Loading the Bride -- Chapter 14: Wedding Ceremonies -- Introduction -- Religious Ceremonies -- Civil Ceremonies -- Betrothal Ritual -- Chapter 15: Wedding Receptions -- Introduction -- Walimah -- Wedding Dance -- Chapter 16: Post-Wedding Events -- Introduction -- Chiravari -- Honeymoon -- Anniversary Customs -- Recommitment Ceremonies -- Divorce -- Chapter 17: Adult Milestones -- Introduction -- Purchasing a House -- Family Reunions -- Military Reunions -- Class Reunions -- Performing the Haji -- Chapter 18: Later Adulthood -- Introduction -- Asian-American 60th Birthday -- Retirement -- New Living Arrangements -- Part 4: Death and Mourning -- Introduction -- Chapter 19: Preparing the Body -- Introduction -- Last Rites -- Dressing the Body -- Chapter 20: Funerals and Other Immediate Mourning Rituals -- Introduction -- Aninut -- Iroquois Family Condolence Rite -- Salat al-Janaza -- New Orleans Jazz Funeral -- Wakes -- Repasts -- Shawnee Death Feast -- Sidewalk and Other Public Shrines -- Chapter 21: Burials -- Introduction -- Burial Practices -- Cremation Rituals -- Chapter 22: Memorials and Later Commemorations -- Introduction -- All Souls Day -- Ching Ming -- Día de los Muertos -- Forty-Ninth Day Memorial -- Obon Festival -- One-Year Memorials -- Orthodox Christian Memorials -- Bibliography -- Photo and Illustration Credits -- Index.

"Provides information about the history, symbols, customs, and traditions of important life-cycle events within the broad range of cultural and religious groups in the United States. Entries are arranged in sections on birth and childhood, coming of age, adulthood, and death and mourning"--Provided by publisher.