Category Archives: Cultural Traditions
OATHING STONES: For Marriage Vows and More
Hearken back to a time long ago when people believed the land was the home of the ancestors. Everyone knew that the spirits of loved ones who had died now guided and protected those still walking the earth. Everyone understood … Continue reading
HARVEST SEASON: Debt and the Power of Prosperity
In the “Old World” of my Celtic ancestors, August marked the beginning of the harvest season. Country fairs called people from the fields where they grew crops and from the open lands where they grazed herds. August heralded a time … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Traditions, Life in General, Seasonal
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SUMMER SOLSTICE ~ WATER and FIRE
In June of 2015, I led a Summer Solstice ritual at Meg’s, a gift shop and spiritual boutique in Manchester, CT. With my European ancestors in mind, we envisioned people living in ancient times and imagined their anxiety as the … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Traditions, Life in General, Seasonal
Tagged seasonal rituals, Summer Solstice
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CHUPPAHS, ARCHANGELS, ASTROLOGY, AND THE FOUR ROYAL STARS OF PERSIA
I’m often asked to create a ceremony for a couple who come from two different spiritual paths or follow no particular path but want spiritual elements to make the ceremony comfortable for their parents. Such was the case in a … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Traditions, Weddings
Tagged archangels, Catholic, chuppa, interfaith wedding, Jewish, Royal Stars of Persia, wedding canopy, wedding ceremony
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Handfasting: Tie the Knot
You don’t have to be Celtic to include a handfasting ritual in your wedding ceremony. Tying the knot is something any couple can do. For the guests, my adaptation adds surprise and a little humor. For the couple, a handfasting … Continue reading
Game of Thrones and the Wedding Ritual of Circling
He calls her his “Moon.” She calls him her “Sun and Stars.” He is Khal Drogo, the testosterone heavy, alpha male leader of the Dothraki warrior tribe – proud, fearless, and ruthless, at least in the beginning. Very Mars. She … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Traditions, Weddings
Tagged bride and groom, circling, Game of Thrones, wedding rituals
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Ritual: GARDEN GIFTS by Zita Christian
Many believe that eating basil will protect you and give you courage. And eating orange peel will make you fertile. True. My daughter Laurie Neronha and I love to cook. Despite the aggression implied in the language of the kitchen … Continue reading
Posted in Business Blessings, Cultural Traditions, Friendship, Life in General, Marriage Equality, Weddings
Tagged basil, Connecticut JP, cultural heritage, customized wedding rituals, ethnic heritage, Garden Gifts, herbs, Justice of the Peace, Laurie Neronha, magical plants, Moon River Rituals, officiant, orange peel, plants, Ritual Writer, rosemary, tarragon, wedding, Zita Christian
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Ritual: DESTINY AND THE RED CORD by Zita Christian
Ei-ling was delighted that so many members of her family were coming from Taiwan to attend her wedding to Jason. She wanted her mother to have a role in the ceremony but was sensitive to her mother’s concern about speaking … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Traditions, Weddings
Tagged Chinese mythology, Connecticut, customized wedding rituals, Fatherly God in the Moonlight, JP, Justice of the Peace, officiant, ritual, Ritual Writer, wedding ceremony
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Ritual: GIFTS FROM THE DRAGONS by Zita Christian
To create meaningful rituals for Couples who don’t want a religious ceremony, I often incorporate their cultural heritage. For Jason and Ei-ling, I explored Polish wedding customs and Chinese mythology. I created several rituals for them. You’ll find one of … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Traditions, Weddings
Tagged Chinese, Connecticut, customized wedding rituals, dragons, JP, Justice of the Peace, officiant, Ritual Writer, stones, wedding, wedding ceremony
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Ritual: WIND HORSE by Zita Christian
Chris and Jennifer had come to Buddhism as adults. They wanted their wedding to give their guests a glimpse into the beauty and serenity they’d found on the spiritual path they’d chosen. With that in mind, I created the ritual … Continue reading
