Reading a news article I just learned that the astrological date for Beltane is actually May 5th though everybody celebrates it on May 1st technically tomorrow is the true Beltane. So if you missed it on the 1st you have a second chance to do it again tomorrow. #Beltane#witches#pagan#ceremony#celebration#brightfire#sabbat
In eastern Rajasthan (specifically within Meena/Gurjar communities), two neighboring villages are invited to participate in Kanhaiya Dangal. This ceremony uses Kanhaiya songs to strengthen their unity.
Medeas (the MCs) guide each village through lyrics and musical flow to make connections. The goal being mutual harmony.
A good friend who teaches at universities in Kyōto got married late in life, and had me give a speech in Japanese at the reception. I had wanted to keep it simple, but once my Japanese wife got involved, I ended up with all sorts of formal clothing and a more elaborate gift. The ceremonies were held at a hotel in the central city. The wedding chapel was inside the hotel but had windows above it. Typical of Japan, the ceremonies were eclectic, with Japanese and Western elements including songs like "Pretty Woman" and "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis (good for karaoke - I sang along). There was a recording of the bride dancing Nihon buyō (日本舞踊) based on Kabuki, and a powerful opera singer performed live.
The Traditional Health Gathering put on by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations was hosted this year by the James Smith Cree Nation, which came to international attention a year ago Sept. 4 for unimaginable tragedy.
That day 11 people were killed in a stabbing spree by one man. The community has since leaned into traditional ceremony and Indigenous spirituality to heal.
"This ceremony is about bravery, and I was hoping my instinct to take on the butchering would pay off. This ceremony is also about showing yourself to the world for the first time. So I was hoping to emulate that in any way I could; to be an example, an uncle, no longer a child." —Jake Skeets for @emergencemagazine