A rite of passage is a ritual that marks a change in a person's social or sexual status. Rites of passage are often ceremonies surrouning events such as childbirth, menarche or other milestones within puberty, coming of age, marriage, weddings, and death. Initiation ceremonies such as baptism, confirmation and bar or bat mitzvahs are considered important rites of passages. In the last centuries Western society has seen a steady decline in the usage of and potential benefits rising from male rites of passage.