Each transition in the life cycle of the Aonikenk people was celebrated with a passage rite.
During gestation, to avoid sexual contact, the pregnant woman was separated from her husband: it was believed that semen enlarged the fetus, making labor more difficult. She then ate dry meat, avoiding liquids as much as possible. Her mother and grandmother assisted the woman in the birthing process.
The newborn was painted white, and then was named based on its physical features, place of birth, or a dead family member. At the age of four, children attended the Earring Ceremony; girls had both ears perforated and the boys had only one. A needle and horsehair were the instruments used for piercing.
At the end of the ritual a mare was sacrificed, while men danced the Ostrich Dance.