The Importance of Ceremonies
Ceremonies legitimize the intangible in the eyes of a community. For instance, the ceremony involved in becoming an Australian Citizen represents a commitment to Australia and its people. It gives a sense of belonging because you can fully participate in all aspects of Australian life. On a very grand scale, would the general public have recognised Queen Elizabeth without the elaborate ceremony associated with her coronation? Ceremonies tie communities and their structures together; Ceremonies are a public and more often a legal declaration; Ceremonies make promises public and therefore strengthen the resolutions. A Marriage ceremony formally introduces the entry of a new person to the family and community; Marriage is constituted under Australian law so there is a small, but vitally important legal process that has to be followed during and in the form of a ceremony, which will therefore be a legal ceremony within a personal ceremony; Ceremonies bring families together; A ceremony for a funeral is a formal farewell for the departed and closure for those living; A naming ceremony officially introduces the person named into the community and more usually publically names mentors for children who have been given public purpose for their responsibilities to those children; Ceremonies give purpose and reason with clarity; The anniversary of a ceremony gives cause to bring families and like-minded people together to mark an important occasion. |
