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Special Occasion Rituals, Requirement 5c
Write three full rituals, one for three of the following options (or other with written approval from the CC Preceptor):
- Giving a child a driver's license
- House blessing or cleansing
- A child's first day of school or college
- Empty nest
- Graduation
- First home
- Purchasing a prom or wedding dress
- Baby shower
- Job promotion or change
It's my opinion that rites of passage such as the first day of school should be celebrated in a more ritually specific way, but also that overly formalized structures are not necessarily appropriate. Because of that, this ritual is a very simplified version of a full Core Order of Ritual rite in two parts, designed to fit into the short time between getting the child ready for that first day and bundling him/her into the car or trundling off down the street with him/her by splitting some of the work off into the previous day. Ritual should fit into our lives, not the other way around.
This ritual uses the term "__Child__" simply because it is easier to type: "daughter", "son", or a name may be supplied without any other changes. Also, not having a child of my own, I had to research what kids take to preschool. I've drawn the items from that list.
First Day of School Rite
By Rev. Michael J Dangler
The night before the first day of school, the child's school supplies should be set out, ordered, and packed; three items should be kept back, though: glue sticks, scissors, and paper. The child should be encouraged to take part in this ritual as much as possible.
The parents and the child gather together near the supplies. The parents should speak to the child (dividing up the sentences if there are two parents, or speaking all of it if there is one):
__Child__, you are about to embark on a new journey. This is the first step in growing up: where you go tomorrow, we cannot follow. But we want you to know that we are with you in this journey, even if you cannot see us.
The parents and the child gather together near the supplies again in the morning, after breakfast. The parents should speak to the child again:
__Child__, we told you last night that you are growing up: you are about to take your first steps away from us. We also said that we will be with you, even if you can't see us. As a warrior cannot go forth without his sword and a blacksmith cannot shape metal without his hammer, we send you to school with tools with which to do great work.
the scissors are presented
These are the scissors you are asked to bring. These are a tool for learning, a tool that will help you when you are at school. We want you to have this tool, and to know that we are here for you, learning right along with you.
the paper is presented
This is the paper you are asked to bring. This is a tool for learning, a tool that will help you when you are at school. We want you to have this tool, and to know that we are here for you, learning right along with you.
the glue sticks are presented
These are the glue sticks you are asked to bring. These are a tool for learning, a tool that will help you when you are at school. We want you to have this tool, and to know that we are here for you, learning right along with you.
The child then puts the tools into his/her backpack, and completes any last-minute preparations. Once the child is ready to leave the house, the parents should say the following:
__Child__, we are proud of you. You have received your tools from us and are now truly starting to grow up. We will walk with you as far a we can, but now is the time for you to walk some of the way on your own. As you walk and grow, remember this blessing:
Kindreds, we call out to you.
Protect and bless __Child__,
that learning may come easy,
that friendship be known,
and that the way to growing up be free of trouble.
No matter where __Child__ walks,
Let the light of our love guide [him/her],
As the light of the Kindreds shone upon us
When we first walked this path to growing up.
Now, take pictures of the ragamuffin before he or she gets out of sight.
Sources
Content © 2003-2009, Michael J Dangler
Updated on 10/10/2009. Site Credits / Email Me!
Basic site design from ADF.org
(Yes, I stole it!)
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