We're all searching for a foothold in the past and for peace and meaning in the chaos of modern life. We all want to give our children a place of refuge and a sense of predictability. We all wish to make the difficult times easier and the unknown feel safer. Rituals have served these functions for ancient cultures; and rituals can now do the same for us, too.

Most of us participate regularly in rituals without realizing it. You may not think that a daily trip to the playground or a family breakfast qualifies as a ritual, but it does. I call them unconscious rituals. Sadly, while we do these things often and may even look forward to them as part of our routine, we don't recognize their significance in our lives.

Many ancient cultures have used rituals to strengthen their family ties and to deepen their relationships. For example, in South America it is a common practice for a mother or grandmother to bless each person as he or she leaves the house in the morning, with the intention of strengthening the family bond as well as each family member's connection to Spirit. In Mediterranean cultures, as in Italy and Spain, it's customary for everyone to come home for lunch. Dad leaves work, the children get a break from school, and everyone, even grandparents, takes part in a midday family meal.

Rituals can mark everyday moments or significant times, they can ease us through transitions and especially in times of rapid change, bring structure and stability into family life. Family traditions and rites help establish a common spiritual ground on which bonds can be forged-bonds that transcend age, gender, and individual interests. Indeed, a strong spiritual life can help a family achieve harmony even when there are unusual differences. As Annie, a mother who had adopted eight children from different countries told me, " Our family rituals bridge the gaps between cultures. They give us an even playing field."

We no longer have the option to look at life in the same way as our grandparents did. Change and transition are the only stable things left in our lives. As the world changes and the makeup of our family structure changes, we need to incorporate meaningful rituals that give substance and guidance to the way we will experience the world...

>>> Click to Continue Reading "Celebrating Family Rituals"

© Copyright Barbara Biziou. This article was originally
published at our website, SoulfulLiving.com, in Nov. 2001, as part of Soulful Living's "Family & Community" Issue.

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