June Weddings – Part 2: Ancient Traditions

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

And perhaps a magical time for a bride and groom to pledge their love to one another amongst family and friends.

In Part 1, we talked about June, which dates back to the Roman Empire and how Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, inspired its popularity among couples wanting to tie the knot.

In this post, we will dig deeper into the role Juno played in the traditional ancient wedding.

Ancient Wedding Traditions

Image Credit: Public Domain – A Roman Wedding Procession by Edwine Howland Blashfield

Roman weddings, like those of the affluent of our day, were elaborate ceremonies with religious rituals. They centered around worshipping Juno, the goddess of marriage. The bride and groom did so in order to receive a blessing from Juno for their marriage. This included sacrifices, prayers, and customs thought to cement the couple’s future and to bring happiness and prosperity.

Let’s look at specific examples.

Choosing the Wedding Date

June was the most popular month for Roman weddings. And Juno had a lot to do with that. Even so, brides and grooms could consider other months as well. But they were always based on lunar cycles.

The Confarreatio Ceremony

The most sacred Roman wedding was called the “confarreatio.” A significant part of this ritual involved the couple sharing a spelt cake (panis farreus). The cake symbolized unity and abundance. It was a solemn pledge to Juno and to each other.

Nuptial Rites and Sacrifices

Before the wedding ceremony, the couple offered cakes, wine, and incense to Juno while the Priests recited prayers. These practices further emphasized Juno’s central role in the wedding ceremony. These offerings were believed to purify and bless the union.

The Bridal Procession

After the ceremony, a procession would lead the bride to her new home, where nuts and coins lined the path. These symbolized fertility and prosperity. As the procession made its way through town, they stopped at shrines and offered prayers to Juno. Further confirming Juno’s protection over the marriage.

The Pronuba

Like the modern-day maid or matron of honor, the “pronuba” was a married woman. The pronuba assisted the bride before, during, and after the wedding ceremony. As a representative of Juno’s, she embodied the ideals of marital fidelity and longevity. Her role was to guide the bride through the wedding rituals. It was no wonder that the pronuba ensured tradition was followed.

Legacy of Time

There is no doubt that the goddess Juno played a pivotal role in ancient wedding ceremonies. It underscored the profound cultural significance and importance of marriage in Roman society. Such customs highlighted how entwined Juno was in the institution of marriage.

Part 3 will explore the transformation from Juno’s central role in the wedding ceremony to the sacred vows before the God of Christianity.

#Love #June #Juno #Weddings #Traditions

June Weddings – Part 1: The Origin

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

And a favorite time to get married – at least, in 2015.

Fast-forward to 2023, and June falls to number three, according to a recent post on Brides.com. For the curious-minded, October was number one, followed by September.

*Credit: Illustration of the Roman goddess Juno by Samantha C. George*

Juno? Who was Juno?

June is also the month named for Juno, one the Romans most popular goddesses.

Over the next few blog posts, we will learn how Juno influenced the modern-day wedding. But first, we start with how “June” became the sixth month of the calendar we still use today.

The Month of June

So, how did “June” become the sixth month of our calendar?

June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, the god of marriage and childbirth. She was the wife of Jupiter, the king of the gods.

June, the sixth month of the Julian calendar, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE. It was on this date that June’s 29 days changed to 30 days, as per timeanddate.com.

Juno: The Goddess of Marriage

In Roman mythology, Juno was the queen of the gods and the protector of women and marriage. Her Greek counterpart was Hera.

Juno oversaw all aspects of women’s lives, from birth to marriage and family. As the goddess of marriage, Juno blessed and protected couples. So, those seeking her blessing did so to gain favor amongst the gods so that their marriages would have a higher probability of working out.

The popularity of June weddings dates back to ancient Rome. Marrying in June was believed to honor Juno. Which is why couples leaned toward June. After all, they thought that Juno brought harmony and prosperity to the marriage.

Legacy of Time

June weddings are a testament to the legacy of these ancient beliefs. Even though many modern-day couples choose to marry in June, they may not realize they’re following a tradition that dates back millennia.

In Part 2 of this series, we will continue to explore how Juno influenced the modern-day wedding.

#June #Juno #Weddings #Traditions

The Legacy of a Good Father

Artist Credit: Dad and Me by Vickie Wade

Father’s Day

is a time to honor and celebrate the fathers in our lives. While expectations of fathers may have changed over the years, the core values of what makes a good father (or step-father) are timeless.

A good father is more than just a provider; he is a nurturer, a guide, and a pillar of support for his partner, children, and community.

Core Values of a Good Father

Attachment

Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, emphasizes the importance of forming a secure bond between a child and their caregiver. A good father fosters this bond through consistent presence and emotional availability. He helps his children develop a sense of security and trust by providing comfort and support. It starts with taking turns with changing diapers, late-night feedings, and going to bed routines. This secure attachment lays the foundation for healthy emotional development and relationships throughout the child’s life.

Attunement

Attunement refers to a parent’s ability to recognize, understand, and respond appropriately to their child’s emotional states. A good father is attuned to his children’s spoken and unspoken needs. He listens actively, observes carefully, and provides support to help them navigate their feelings. A good father is empathetic and helps his children feel understood and valued, fostering their emotional intelligence and resilience.

Respect

Respect is fundamental to any healthy relationship, and the father-child relationship is no exception. A good father respects his children’s individuality and encourages their autonomy. He acknowledges their unique personalities, interests, and perspectives and supports their independence. By showing respect, he teaches his children to value themselves and others, promoting a healthy sense of self-worth and mutual respect in their interactions.

Personal Growth

A good father is not only a teacher but also a learner. He models personal growth by adapting to his family’s changing needs. Whether deepening emotional intimacy with his spouse, enhancing parenting skills, or working on personal challenges, his commitment to growth inspires his children to pursue their own development paths. This lifelong learning mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience within the family.

Prioritizing Children’s Needs

One of the defining qualities of a good father is his ability to prioritize his children’s needs. This does not mean neglecting his own well-being but instead finding a balance where the children’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs are prioritized. A good father understands the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment, even if it requires personal sacrifices. He makes sure they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Mental Health

A good father values good mental health. He recognizes the importance of emotional well-being and openly discusses such things. By addressing issues such as respect, value, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and depression, he helps normalize the conversation. Providing space for emotional expression and seeking professional help promotes a healthy, balanced life.

Respect for the Mother of His Children

A good father shows respect for the mother of his children. He recognizes that a harmonious and respectful relationship sets a positive example for their children. Whether partners or co-parents, mutual respect and cooperation are crucial for creating a stable and loving environment. By treating the mother of his children with kindness, consideration, and respect, he demonstrates the importance of healthy relationships and teamwork. This respect benefits the children by providing a model of positive interaction that strengthens the overall family unit.

The Legacy of a Good Father

Father’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the profound impact that good fathers have on their children’s lives. Good fathers lay a solid foundation. As we celebrate this special day, let us honor the fathers who embody these qualities and strive to be the best role models they can be. Their dedication and love create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Happy Father’s Day

#Father’sDay #Attachment #Attunement #Respect #Mental Health #RoleModel

The Spirit of the Pearl

The Spirit of the Pearl

The shimmering pearl calls a name,
Come, admire its exquisite beauty,
Bathe in the glory of iridescence.

Come closer, hear whispers in your ears,
A voice that soothes anxieties and fears,
Shed inhibitions, face your demons, call them out.

The pearls of life dwell in the soul,
Conduits for relaxation and introspection,
Revealing wisdom to impart.

Emotional tides ebb and flow,
Bringing harmony, calm, and peace.
Carpe diem, seize the day’s release.

The Spirit of the Pearl refocuses the heart,
To fully appreciate what matters most,
Love and intimacy with God and others.

Filled with purity and integrity,
Pearls shed tears from heaven above,
Anointed by the cross at Calvary.

See the pearls up ahead?
Twelve gates with twelve pearls,
Each gate made of a single pearl*,
Leading to eternal life.

*(Revelation 21:21)

#Pearl #Poetry #Sacredstone # #June #Birthstone #Spirituality

The Spirit of The Emerald

In the heart of an enchanted forest,
Leaves sway in rhythmic motion.

Glimmering stars adorn the sky,
As evening echoes ancient times.

The Spirit of the Emerald stirs,
Discerning wisdom to impart.

Weary souls traveling near and far,
Guided by candles flickering aglow.

Aaron’s mighty tribal breastplate,
Wards off enemies and embraces strength.

The Spirit of the Emerald whispers,
Secrets of renewal and hope.

Emotional wounds fade away,
Mending bridges to the Divine.

Like spring’s first blooms,
Sprouting through the frost-free soil.

The Spirit of the Emerald beckons,
Radiating her rich green hue.

Come fairies, dance on moonlit beams,
Wave your wands of fairy dust.

Sprinkle healing throughout the land,
To mortal beings everywhere.

The Spirit of the Emerald commands,
The heavens and constellations listen.

Imagine magnetic fields converging,
Revealing enlightenment and purpose.

Like a million diamonds glistening,
A newfound clarity emerges.

The Emerald’s Spirit leads the way,
Mesmerized by the jasper and ruby rainbow.

Beyond the heart of the forest,
The Emerald’s Spirit bows in reverence.

To the One upon the throne in heaven,
Where love everlasting endures forever.

*Image Credit: callison56 wallpapersafari.com*

#Emeralds #MayBirthstone #Spirituality #EnchantedForest #Fairies

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 8: A Time For Everything (8/8)

*Image Credit: Zaza Tepnadze found on Pinterest*

We have been on a quest to find the sacredness in tragedy. A mighty tall order, wouldn’t you say?

In the previous seven posts, we looked at tragic events and took deep dive into the meaning of righteousness and sacredness. Today, we will explore trauma.

The Miracle of Birth

For those of you who have given birth, or witnessed this, it is nothing short of miraculous. The experience of birth is sacred.

Babies

Babies are incredible. They have the tiniest toes and fingers. With bodies that almost fit in the palm of a hand. And eyes that may or may not be open. Yet, in a few days, babies start to gaze into their parent’s eyes with all the love in the world. They are truly a gift from God.

Life-and-death circumstances might make us question God’s omnipotence (the power of God), or God’s goodness. In other words, God’s willingness to prevent terrible things from happening. Such as when a baby is miscarried. Or stillborn. Or born less than perfect.

Parents may wonder “Where was God?”

“Why did this have to happen?”

Surely, God doesn’t create imperfect beings. God can’t take my baby away. Can he?

No Answers, Yet

We simply do not know. Maybe one day we will find out. But for now – for many of us – certainty is elusive.

Some of us may simply choose to trust that God is there. Some may be fortunate enough to feel God’s presence – even in the midst of suffering. While others may feel lost, or alone or even foresaken by God. During times of trial and tribulation we often experience a floodgate of emotions. We may feel that God is nowhere to be found. Yet, could it be that, even then, God is with us – even though we may not see it? Years later when we look back, we may discover that lessons have been learned, inner convinctions formed, and/or meaning found.

The next time you find yourself in the middle of a storm, can you imagine holding out your hand so God can grasp and hold it in his own?

Traumatic Events

Think back on your own life. Do you remember traumatic events from your childhood…or teenage years…or adulthood?

People often think of the big events. Yet seemingly smaller incidents can become a significant source of trauma as well. Like having best friends move away when you were a young child. Or perhaps there were times when you were bullied. Maybe you lost precious possessions such as a piece of jewelry, or had a favorite keepsake stolen from you at school. At the time, perhaps your emotions were strong or clouded your thinking. You might even have thought, “Why did God let this happen to me?”

Over time, however, we can learn from our experiences and reflect upon them. What lessons have we learned from the trauma or tragedy that we experienced? Have we become more compassionate? Have we devoted ourselves to a cause that is close to our hearts? Did you, for example, decide to become a doctor because you were once an accident-prone kid?

It may be that things happen for a reason, which, at first, we may not have understood. Maybe that is where the saying, “Time will tell,” comes from.

A Time for Everything

In life, there is death. Before death is life. Life begins at birth. Could it be that, after death there is eternal life?

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,2a

Over the past few weeks, we have explored the question: Can sacredness be found in tragedy? As we move forward in life, may we be open-minded. May we love one another through all the facets of our lives, including the tragedies that come out of nowhere.

#Birth #Time #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 7: The Story of Bella Joy (Continued)

*Image Credit: “Womb Paradise” by Alex Florschutz from sistersawake dot org*

In Part 6, we learned a little about Miss Bella and her infant son who was born with a rare disease. This tragic circumstance was so unepected. No one saw it coming. We continue this story.

It’s Not Fair

After the initial shock wore off, Miss Bella may have thought:

It’s not fair to the baby.
It’s not fair to (us) the parents.
It’s not fair to (our other child) the sibling.
Life expectancy is short with this rare disease.

Why God? Why me?

Miss Bella felt so alone after her baby’s birth. (YouTube Video*)

After all, how would we feel if we were told our baby has a rare disease? Six months later, she put on a courageous face and filmed a YouTube video. Why? Because she didn’t want others to feel alone like her.

The Story of Bella Joy shows how an apparently uneventful pregnancy can yield a calamitous life-changing outcome. Miss Bella navigated through an unexpected situation as best she could. Then, this strong momma shared her experience with the world to give others hope and encouragement. Instead of dwelling on the negative, she found the strength to overcome her circumstances.

And, more importantly, to serve others.

Why is service so important?

Serving others reflects God’s love and fulfills the Biblical commandment that we love one another. If we focus on love and serving others, even in the midst of evil or heartbreak, that is where we find the sacred. It does not nullify – or remove – evil, tragedy, and human suffering. Rather it is precisely here, in the midst of catastrophe, that the sacred becomes manifest. This is where God is present – whether we see and sense him, or not. And this is why, even in the most terrible circumstances, people are able to find hope, offer love, and serve one another.

The next post will explore the cycle of life in the context of there being a time for everything. We will then wrap this series up on finding the sacredness in tragedy.

*YouTube dot come/watch?v=3Jc2w2eAhMc&t=21s

#Birth #NeonatalMarfan #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 6: The Story of Bella Joy

*Image Source: Creative Commons (Artist Unknown)*

Parts 1-5 focused on God’s love, compassion, and mercy, even amid tragedy.

Today, we will again ponder the many questions in life, starting with birth.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13

The Story of Bella Joy

Bella Joy had an uneventful pregnancy. There was nothing out of the ordinary at any point in time during her pregnancy. All the precautionary prenatal care guidelines were followed. She even passed all the recommended tests with flying colors, including genetic testing. Still, she and her family prayed for a healthy baby.

The Eventful Delivery

Miss Bella had a delivery that went sideways. The soon-to-be mom, for the second time, had scheduled a C-section on August 3. Yet, the baby had different plans. Unexpectedly, this young woman went into spontaneous labor on August 2.

Her medical team was on board and ready to prep her for the C-section when she arrived at the hospital. Not long after, Miss Bella gave birth to a baby boy. She was on edge until she heard the sweet sound of her newborn cry. Within seconds, he did. The wail seemed to signal a healthy baby. She breathed a sigh of relief.

She remembers her doctor saying calmly, “Your baby is having difficulty breathing.” But because Miss Bella had heard the infant cry, she didn’t overthink what the doctor had said. The doctor did not sound alarmed. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. In fact, she remembered joking with the medical staff about there being a full moon that night.

In the meantime, five nurses and doctors were working on her baby. She didn’t realize the commotion had been about her baby. She hadn’t a clue. However, when the OR staff person wheeled her to the nursery, she sensed something was off. When she saw her husband, she knew something was dreadfully wrong.

At that moment, she learned that an infant can cry and still not be okay. “What could it be?” She asked herself. Her ultrasounds had been normal; and her pregnancy had been uneventful. She was not prepared for what was next.

Miss Bella’s son was born with Neonatal Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic disease. She wanted answers.

“Where was God?” “Why did this have to happen?”

In the next post, we will keep searching for answers.

#Birth #Neonatal Marfan #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 5: The Story of Noah (Continued)

Photo Credit: Ron Worobec (found on journal.burningman.org)

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
Proverbs 14:32

In our last post, we summarized the biblical story of Noah and the Ark. Today, we will reflect on the story to find the sacredness in the ancient event known as the Great Flood.

The Story of Noah provides a different snapshot of God.

The Heavens and the Earth

God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in between, and it was good. Then, humankind wandered away from God. Except for Noah. God rewarded his righteousness by saving Noah and his family from the flood.

Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.

…At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down…

Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.”

Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
“Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
Genesis 6:9, 8:3,15,16, 9:1

I Am God

God was in the tragedy as the conductor of the orchestra. In this case, God was the Giver and the Taker of life. He created humankind and wiped out the human race except for Noah and his family, for they re-populated the earth. A message was sent to the world: “I am God.”

Why Was Noah Saved?

He was righteous.

Noah, a man of unwavering righteousness, stood out among the people of his time. He walked with God, a living testament to his faith. In scripture, we see very few people explicitly identified as “righteous.” They included: Abel, Abraham Lot, David, John the Baptist, Cornelius the Centurion, Simeon, and Jesus. And even, Rahab the prostitute.

So, what is righteousness about?

Psalms and Proverbs, and other obscure passages offer insights about what it means to be “righteous.” Let’s read them…

The righteous give generously (Ps. 37:21) & without sparing (Prov. 21:26)
The righteous choose their friends carefully (Prov. 12:26)
The righteous see their ruin and rejoice (Job 22:19)
The righteous care for the needs of their animals (Prov. 12:10)
The righteous eat to their hearts content (Prov. 13:25)
The righteous shout for joy and are glad (Prov. 29:6)
The righteous care about justice for the poor (Prov. 29:7)
The righteous lead blameless lives (Prov. 20:7)
The righteous are as bold as a lion (Prov. 28:1)
The righteous stand firm (Prov. 10:25)
The righteous are rewarded with good things (Prov. 13:21)
The righteous hate what is false (Prov. 13:5)
The righteous detest the dishonest (Prov. 29:27)
The righteous attain life (Prov. 11:19)

The righteous will inherit the land (Psalm 37:29)
The righteous will rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 64:10)
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree (Psalm 92:12)
The righteous will never be shaken (Psalm 112:6)
The righteous will never be uprooted. (Prov. 10:30)
The righteous will thrive like a green leaf (Prov. 11:28)
The righteous will live by faith (Gal. 3:11)
The righteous will see their downfall (Prov. 29:16)
The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matt. 13:43)

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom (Psalm 37:30)
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10:11)
The lips of the righteous nourish many (Prov. 10:21)
The lips of the righteous know what finds favor (Prov. 10:32)
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers (Prov. 15:28)
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life (Prov. 11:30)
The light of the righteous shines brightly (Prov. 13:9)
The path of the righteous is level (Isaiah 26:7)
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun (Prov. 4:18)
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16)

Did a shiver run down your spine as you read this list?

Fret not.

Here is another perspective to consider.

As the wise Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:20, “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, [there is] no one who does what is right and never sins.”

Instead of seeing some of these scriptures as contradictions, as I did at first, let us remember that the Bible was written by many people, each one with a different perspective. Their points of view differ from one another – anywhere from ever so slightly to clearly more boldly. We can glean one truth in all of this so far today.

To walk with God is to have faith in God, to do what is right when we can, and to live our lives with love toward ourselves and others. When we live in love, we cast out fear and anxiety. This allows God’s love to shine a light on our path.

Like Noah, we have a choice. We can walk faithfully with God. Or not. We can choose to believe in God or not.

In essence, Noah saved us all as the flood rid the earth of life (almost). If it weren’t for Noah’s walk with God, there would be no world as we know it today.

Therefore, the sacredness of Noah’s story lies in hope.

Hope

Hope that God will find favor with us.

Hope that God will save us from death.

And hope for everlasting life.

We can blame God for the flood. Or we can accept that tragedies are part of a bigger picture that we can’t comprehend—and trust God even so. This is called “faith.” And in faith, there is hope.

In part 6, we will continue to pursue finding the sacredness in tragedy.

#Noah #Flood #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 4: The Story of Noah

*Image Credit: https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-creation-new-creation/*

It is natural to question adversity, suffering and other overwhelming experiences. But maybe it is not so natural to question their sacredness. Is it?

If we truly are created in God’s image, then it makes sense to question God about our trials and tribulations as we go through life. People have been asking God such questions since the beginning of time.

What has Been Covered Thus Far

Part 1 discussed The Challenger disaster, which forever changed the lives and dreams of so many on that fateful day in January 1986. Part 2, the Story of Cain and Abel revealed a glimpse of God’s very nature. Part 3, we grappled with sacredness and how it fits into tragic events.

Today, we will peek at the story of Noah and continue to explore some of the questions we ask ourselves when tragedy strikes.

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

The Story of Noah

Most of us are familiar with Noah and The Flood. For those who aren’t, God instructed Noah to build a large boat (the Ark) and bring animals and his family into it when it was time. The rains came and flooded the land. The villagers and city dwellers alike perished, as did all other living things.

God had created the heavens, the earth, and everything in between, including the human race. Genesis, the first book of the Bible, tells us that God was pleased with all of it. Note that the story of creation is detailed in Genesis Chapter 1.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31

IT. WAS. VERY. GOOD. Or was it?

Then, in Genesis Chapter 4, we read story of Cain and Abel. Two chapters later, there is the story of Noah. So, we see the progression in the first few chapters. It is a downward spiral, if you will, that hit rock bottom with The Flood.

God was beginning to doubt what had been done. The Bible puts it more strongly, telling us: “the Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled” (Genesis 6:6). You can imagine the pain and suffering God experienced witnessing the intended GOOD that was slowly unraveling. Which revealed the EVIL that was ruining what he had created.

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
—But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 6:5, 8

Simply put, God wanted to wipe out the human race because the hearts of the humans became hardened and fell out of community with their Creator. Except for Noah, who was the one righteous man who acknowledged God’s sovereignty, ie: God’s wisdom, power, and authority over all creation. Noah remained true to God and was obedient to him. His building of the Ark, and its subsequent settling on Mount Ararat, saved humanity from the floodwaters of death.

A Rainbow

The story ended with a promise—a rainbow. God’s covenant promised never to destroy the entire planet again.

In Part 5, we will continue to search for the sacredness in tragedy by reflecting more on the Story of Noah.

#Noah #Flood #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions