Today, political correctness and the fear of treading on the sensibilities of others are successfully diluting or dumbing down many of our religious and cultural rituals and observances. Compared to yesteryear we celebrate very few of life’s milestones in a ritual sense, in our lives today or if we do, the celebration is noticeably changed. Our modern culture is in urgent need of spiritual revival. We as a people in the western world are spiritually adrift.
By ritual ceremonies I am referring to meaningful symbolic practices relating to our personal, cultural or religious beliefs, most of which are steeped in symbolism. We could do well to learn from other cultures, for example, when it comes to rites of passage for children and young adults.
In today’s society, many teenagers upon reaching 18years of age see this milestone as a license to drink themselves stupid and continue to do so, weekend after weekend. I wonder how many of them have any real insight into the real meaning of the attainment of age….their rights and accompanying responsibilities.
Ritual ceremonies have the ability to put more understanding and meaning into lives, to replace the void, restore peace and harmony, rekindle spirituality, to heal wounds and sore hearts.
The celebrations and ceremonies that we do partake in can be made richer, more meaningful and infinitely more memorable by the creative addition of ritual ceremonies, whether for births, deaths, marriages, milestone birthdays, divorces, healing or even retirement.
For example a marriage cultural ceremony or ritual – the tasting of salt, bread and wine, a Polish marriage ritual that says symbolically, “may you overcome the bitterness in life”, “may you never go hungry”, “may you enjoy the sweetness in life”.
Another cultural marriage ritual – the ancient Celtic ring warming and blessing ritual. The rings are passed to each of the wedding guests to be held momentarily, warmed and given a blessing before the rings are put on. It’s a symbolic acknowledgement by the couple that each person present has had and will continue to have an important part to play in their lives.
Other marriage ritual ceremony examples - lighting a candle to remember deceased relatives – those people who had an influence on the developing years of one or other of the couple. This more spiritual practice, the lighting of the candle can be accompanied by a reading by a family member and a pause to remember; The giving of a flower to mothers of the couple or all guests at the commencement of the ceremony as a token of thanks for their love and support; A marriage ritual of acknowledgement and inclusion of children belonging to each partner into a new family. Children’s vows or readings may also be recited.
It is evident in many of these ritual ceremony examples that our hearts cry out for love, thanks and acknowledgement. And as these are not new practices, most of them emanating from ancient civilizations, it is also evident that the basic needs and desires of people have not changed over the millennia.
The burning or burying of photographs and copies of marriage certificates are often included in divorce rituals but positive statements of acknowledgement, thanks and forgiveness also feature as part of the healing ritual in divorce ceremonies. Again, thanks and acknowledgement is given for the good things that came out of the relationship, after all, not every aspect of a union is negative or bad.
Eulogies are an integral part of funeral rituals, again, thanks and love are words often found in eulogies. Displays of photos, placing of favourite flowers of the deceased on the casket and guards of honour of teams or colleagues in uniforms are often seen as a symbolic mark of respect for the deceased and a show support for the family.
Name giving ceremonies are another example of a cultural and family tradition or ritual ceremony passed to us from ancient Roman and Greek cultures.
The naming ceremony can be enhanced by other rituals for example, the appointing of Godparents and the acknowledging of Grandparents, both of whom may light the child’s name giving candle as a symbolic gesture of unity and love.
Cultural thanksgiving harvest ritual ceremonies were a more common observance a generation or two ago but are still a common occurrence in many European countries as are seasonal observances, Equinox and Solstice ritual ceremonies to celebrate seasons and the sun. A home blessing or dedication involves ritual sweeping away or cleansing of residual spirits from previous occupation/presences and welcoming of light and warmth and welcoming by the use of ritual ceremonies steeped in symbolic practices.
Religious rituals are conducted by Religious Celebrants in churches, for example, communion, paying homage to God, baptisms and ordinations.
Add more meaning to your celebration or your ceremony and enrich your life generally by including ritual ceremonies. When words are inadequate, a symbolic ritual often says it all.
About this author: Elizabeth Gray is an Australian celebrant. Her ceremonies are all enriched by rituals – see for yourself.
www.thevowsbook.com – a compilation of marriage ceremonies
www.renewalofvows.net – renewal of vows ceremonies
www.spiritualceremonies.info – spiritually inspired ceremonies
www.weddingvows101.net – 101 marriage or commitment vows
www.2ndmarriageceremonies.com – second marriage ceremonies
www.gaycommitmentceremony.net – gay commitment/marriage ceremonies
www.namegivingceremonies.com – name giving/naming ceremonies
www.wedding-ceremonies.net – more marriage ceremonies
www.divorce-ceremony.com - divorce ceremonies www.home-dedication.net - blessing and dedication of a new home
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