A
ritual ceremony performed when a person changes his
identity and acquires a new role within a
society. It is an
external declaration of personal
change in a social sense, and also a prayer for
peace and
safety pursuant to the change. In episode 25' "
Air" (of
Neon Genesis Evangelion), the members of
SEELE likened the
Instrumentality Project to
"a rite of passage... To bring about the rebirth in those who are imprisoned," (
literally: in humankind which has reached an impasse).
Source: The End of Evangelion : Glossary contained within The End of Evangelion - Theatrical Program.