Some Kind of Wonder-full…

A Calender of Celebrations

I have mentioned before how important I think festivals are. We need to mark new phases, rites of passage, take stock and celebrate life’s blessings. Unfortunately, with the demise of religion, we have lost these rituals and they have lost meaning.

But, is this really a problem? More than at any point in history, we now have the power to:

a) consider what’s is of value that we want to celebrate and mark
b) do it in a way that is meaningful to us

I hereby present my Annual Calender of Celebrations:

1) A Celebration of Silence and Stillness
(February)

A day of silence and stillness, meditation and renewal. Perhaps creating a space for solitude, and then returning from retreat at the end of the day, sharing any acts of creativity or insights into the invisble that have ocurred during this time. Perhaps together a silent walk, in the woods or in the hills. Meals shared in silence, fostering a deeper appreciation of non verbals and love without words. Silence can also allow internal and external “dirt” to slip away gently. So maybe also some silent cleaning, for I have noticed that when we clean our external surroundings meditatively, their is an internal cleansing process that follows automatically.

2) A Celebration of New Beginnings(March/April)

Commonly known as Easter, this is an opportunity to take stock of the past and look forward to the future – to consider where we are at this moment in time and if we are heading in the right direction to acheive our aim of inner harmony. Time spent among nature, appreciating the renewal of trees and plants after the long winter. Also, maybe a visit to a farm (or just walk by) to see the new baby lambs appearing in joy and sprightlyness. And of course, the Easter egg hunt is a nice way of including playfulness within this celebration. A revisiting of the story of Jesus’ death and ressurection, followed by a sharing of individulas own journeys, own death-resurrection moments. Some sort of ritual which symbolilses this death-ressurection journey – perhaps something like a swim across a lake, with all its symbols of taking off the old, being cleansed and putting on something new? Or a sort of informal “adult baptism” style thing…?

3) A Celebration of Love

Why celebrate love within the commercial calender and in the socially designated way of Valentine’s Day? Surely, romance is something that is infinitely personal, and not necessarily best appreciated with red roses and hearts! There are many “Love Languages” - spending quality time, words of affirmation, touch service and gifts. Set aside the day for “quality time” and add all the other ingredients as fits the couple best.

4) A Celebration of Humanity
(July)

Commonly known as “the birthday”, and yes, I realise not everyone’s birthday is celebrated in July – but mine is! Presents using the “make or find” rule alluded to earlier. A cake and candles; wishes and songs. The “haven’t you grown” ritual (for children). Everyone goes round and says one thing they value and appreciate about the individual in question ie words of affirmation…or they could tell a (funny) story about them. Finally, with thanks to L’Arche for this, the birthday girl (or boy) has an opportunity to tell the group their own story (or a part of it).

5) A Celebration of Playfulness
(August)

A core value, as you might well have realised! A day of creativity and fun; games and laughter. At the end of the day, a party with singing and dancing and food. Perhaps, the day could be taken up with preparing for different parts of this in a creative fashion. Some people working on decorations and cooking. Other people coming up with a piece of theatre or dance. More solitary beings with a poem or piece of artwork. Then, there can be a “bring and share session” after the meal. These “creative times” could be punctuated by “play times”, and party games could also be played during the evening celebration.

6) A Celebration of Nature
(October)

A visit to a place of natural beauty. A picnic. Everyone has to pick up something beautiful from nature during the day, or create something from their inspirations eg a photograph or poem. Then, at the end of the day, a chance share this item and what it means to you with the community.

7) Bonfire Night
(November)

Not a celebration of inter-religious fueding or the burning (and killing) of a human being. Instead, an opportunity to revel in the beauty of man-made fireworks. Melt marshmallows. Eat toffee apples. Go to a funfair. Tell ghost (or other) stories and sing songs as the embers burn.

8) A Celebration of Child-likeness
(December)

Commonly known as Christmas, this is an opportunity to celebrate childlikeness and wonder. Revisit the story of Jesus, with the focus being on his childlikeness. Give children a critical role in the ritual. “Make or find” presents. The gift of service throughout the month of December. Decorating the house and tree. Celebration meal. Sharing stories about the triumph of the childlike during human history.