“Rituals and Ceremonies”
by Faye Read
During this time of creating new life, one tends to be a little in awe of the powers that be and the miracle that is taking place within us. It is an ideal time to reconnect with some of those ancient traditions, which have somehow been lost in our westernised way of life.
The traditions surrounding birth include many different forms of ritual and ceremony. We can celebrate love, conception, welcoming the incoming soul, the woman’s pregnant state, and birth as a woman’s rite of passage.
After the birth we can celebrate the new arrival, hold a name giving
ceremony, baptise the baby, have a special burial ceremony for the placenta and also celebrate the woman as she takes on her new role as a mother. All of these occasions and more are worthy of such ritual and ceremony.
Candles, essential oils, smudge sticks, mandalas, chants, drums, music, special beads, cloth, crystals or gifts, are often used as ceremonial objects to help create the right energy for such an occasion.
A ceremony which is particularly enjoyable and becoming quite popular is the ‘blessing way’. This is held in the weeks leading up to the due date of birth. It is held to welcome the child and bless and honour the family that is bringing the child to earth. The family and circle of friends come together to welcome the baby in and show support for the parents by creating an environment of readiness, love and acceptance.
This is an excerpt taken from the ebook ‘Childbirth Preparation’, written by Faye Read, available at:
www.childbirthpreparationebook.com
Filed under: Articles | Tagged: 'blessing way', birth, candles, celebrate, ceremonies, childbirth, Childbirth preparation, essential oils, natural birth, pregnancy, pregnant, rituals, traditions
