Other Ceremonies

What other ceremonies are there apart from Marriages and Funerals?

Life has many stages and transitions, wonderful & joyous ones or the sadder or more challenging ones. We enjoy or deal better with these changes, with greater acceptance, if we have a meaningful ceremony or ritual marking these experiences or events . We communicate better with each other, unify our communities and show our love.

There are a wide range with Baby/Child naming’s being popular, as are renewing of marriage vows, commitment ceremony, celebrating turning thirteen or graduating. Going through a divorce, retirement, children leaving the ‘nest’, becoming a wise elder, or grieving, the process of dying… all these times can be honoured, enabling us to process and feel a sense of purpose, self-worth and legacy through them, if they are significantly delivered. These can be simple to elaborate, ranging from a couple, family or a ‘one to one’ ceremony/ ritual for you alone, as part of a transition in your life. They can be secular ( non-religious ), spiritual, religious, creative, reflective of your values and what you see as significant.

Definition of ceremony/ ritual

A ritual is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place and according to set sequence.] Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community. Rituals are characterized, but not defined, by formalism, traditions sacral symbolism, and performance.

Rituals are a feature of all known human societies. They include not only the worship rites and sacraments of organized religions and cults, but also rites of passage, atonement and purification rites, dedication ceremonies, coronations, marriages, funerals and more. Even common actions like hand-shaking and saying “hello” may be termed as rituals.

Ceremonies contribute to psychological stability, identity, reassurances of life’s purposes, and the personal sense of self worth. There is a mysterious cultural power of quality ceremonies which can lead our society along an honourable and ethical path. “The level of civilised behaviour in a society is directly linked to the practice of ceremonies and Rites of Passage” – J. Campbell.

To quote David Oldfield:

Rituals and ceremonies are an essential and basic means for human beings to give themselves and others the necessary messages which enable the individual to stay human.

They communicate acceptance, love, a sense of identity, esteem, shared values and beliefs
and shared memorable events.

Every ritual contains tender and sacred moments. In those moments of sensitivity, we are taken out of the normal flow of life, and out of our routines.

We are then in an event that is irreplaceable and sacred. In ritual we participate in something deep and significant.

They are moments which move our heart and touch our spirit. 

For all ceremonies or rituals, as a Celebrant, Interfaith minister, Pastoral carer, Social Worker, I can offer knowledge & ceremony resources with flexibility, bringing sensitive, person centred approaches. It can range from the traditional e.g. Christening, Bar Mitzvah, Hand fasting through to creative, nature based e.g. water cleansing, music mantras, sage cleansing, casting circles, use of symbols, art , poems, prayers . We can use all the senses – flowers, smells, balloons, water, stones , art, candles We can work together to develop a ceremony according to your needs. With my resources of vows , music, readings, sample ceremonies, poems helping to get you started or using the resources you choose.

It can be at locations with the staging/set up of your choice …. Outdoors, in a park, garden, beach, an outdoor art setting, a labyrinth, in nature, your home, in a hall, at a function/ entertainment venue. As examples I have undertaken a commitment ceremony at a nightclub and a baby naming in an Oak grove, burnt photos in a ritual with a person , to symbolise the end of a relationship……

The key being that I work with you to develop what you need & want.

Whatever ceremony or ritual you need, I would be pleased & honoured to offer my input.