rite of passage
'With the autumnal rite of passage comes myriad back-to-school sales and retail overload as stocks of pencils, pens, and paper are depleted in anticipation of a year full of learning. '

I'd like to know what 'rite of passage' means.

Thanks in advance.

Question

rite of passage
 'With the autumnal rite of passage comes myriad back-to-school sales and retail overload as stocks of pencils, pens, and paper are depleted in anticipation of a year full of learning. '

I'd like to know what  'rite of passage' means.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

The rite of passage to being a man is to beat up Eliot! :P

Answer

it is any ritual celebrating the change of status of an individual. In this case it is the step up to a higher year at university, even at school. 
Go here for full details:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_passage

Answer

Here"rite of passage" means the annual purchase of things needed for the school year. Stores often discount pens, pencils, exercise books etc before school starts.