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.

Go to Ideas for Ceremonies