Rituals can be defined as symbolic, contextualized processes that require a set of beliefs and values which indentify and reinforce an individual's membership to a group. Just as tatau can be classified as a tradition, getting the tatau can be classified as a ritual. More accurately, tatau can be classified as a rite of passage because it is seen as a transformative process that signifies an individual's personal commitment to ones' family, community, and heritage. It is a spiritual commitment to ones' ancestors and an overall commitment to the fa'asamoa (Sims & Stephens 2011, p. 98-129).

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There are three stages to a rite of passage: preliminal/separation, liminal/transition, and postliminal/incorporation. The three stages of a rite of passage can look different across the globe as they are not developed equally in different cultures. So, to elaborate, a preliminal period can be less pronounced for a rite of passage in one culture and more pronounced in another for a similar ritual (Gennep 1960, p. 10-12).

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In term sof tatau

1. Rite of Separation

- A man or women without a pe'a or malu are seen as a youth in Samoan society.

2. Rite of Transition

- The process can take weeks or months to complete, and an uncompleted tatau is thought to bring shame and misfortune upon the individual and their family.

3. Rite of Incorporation

- After the tatau is complete, the individual is seen as an adult in Samoan society committed to the Samoan way of life.