Rituals
The word “rituals” can be perceived in a variety of ways. For the sake of understanding the inclusion of “rituals” in imagining your ceremony, I offer you the following thoughts:
Many common elements in our lives are actually rituals, even though we don’t necessarily think about them that way: from lighting candles on a cake to be blown out by the birthday child, walking across a stage to graduate, or serving specific foods for holidays.
Every culture has different traditions and weddings are no exception: candles are frequently lit, rings exchanged, and more recently, features like sand ceremonies, or wine sharing have become commonplace. Perhaps one or both of your ancestries have customs that you would like to include. This can be especially meaningful if you are having a multicultural or inter-faith wedding.
Perhaps you met rock-climbing and incorporating a ceremony with stones would hold meaning. Maybe your family tradition has a couple sharing wine at their wedding and your partner’s family crafts wine, or maybe a hand-fasting appeals to you.
Re-imagining, blending, or creating a new ritual that honours your unique life experiences and heritage can become perfectly perfect for you.
The birth of a child is a momentous occasion and identifying and honouring “Guide”-parents to help mould your child can be a powerful ritual. Perhaps the candle you light along with them or grandparents, can become a candle that you light annually when celebrating the birthday.
End of Life celebrations offer opportunities for particularly poignant and meaningful rituals. I have witnessed grandchildren at a graveside, each adding a recipe card with instructions for their favourite goodie to bake with their grandma. Maybe your loved one drank nothing but Coke and a ritual toast with a chilled can at everyone’s seat is memorable.
Together, any activity that speaks to YOUR souls, can be included… limited only by your imagination, I will support you to create unique and meaningful ritual if you choose.
