The oldest female celebrant stands up in front of two guides: one man & one woman.
All women older than she stand up beside her.
She recites the names of her female ancestors, beginning with herself.
She recites the names & ages of her offspring.
She tells her life story, decade by decade, illustrating with memorabilia.
She tells what she is leaving behind, then what she is entering into.
The elder women each hug her in turn, then all welcome her into their ranks as a new crone.
The next oldest celebrant stands up in front of guides.
All women older than she stand up beside her.
Proceed as above.
When all have finished, all women younger than any of the celebrants stand up & join the circle.
Men repeat the ceremony to become sages, one by one.
When the circle is complete, all hold hands, join in singing an appropriate song or chant of joyful celebration, move around the room in a circle.
Refreshments are served.
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