Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your lives. Your wedding ceremony is the keystone event of your wedding day. It sets the tone for your entire celebration. Our goal is to create for you a wedding ceremony that is a reflection of your love and your relationship.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

December Holiday Celebrations Lift Our Spirits.

As ceremony specialists and wedding officiants, we are exhilarated by requests to craft ceremonies with rituals that make for unique and memorable moments. December is potent with cultural and religious celebrations that are rich with rituals and symbols.

December 21, the Winter Solstice, is the official beginning of winter. This day has the longest night and shortest day of the year. The Winter Solstice portends the return of the Light and has been celebrated for thousands of years around the world.

Hanukah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights”, begins at sunset on December 22 this year. The ancient story tells that when re-dedicating their Holy Temple, there was only enough oil remaining to light the Temple menorah for one day. Miraculously the oil lasted eight days. Jewish people across the globe light one menorah candle on the first night of Hanukkah, and add a candle each successive night and give gifts.

Christmas, December 25, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians call the Light of the World. Christmas has many symbols. Santa Claus, the bringer of gifts is based on St. Nicholas, a Christian leader in the 4th century AD who gave to the poor. The Christmas tree, a stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, the needles point heavenward, symbolizing thoughts turning toward heaven.

Kwanzaa
, the African American holiday where people gather to reinforce each other's spirit and friendship was founded by Professor Maulana Karenga, in 1965. Kwanzaa lasts seven days, from December 26 to January 1, to promote the seven basic principles of Unity, Self-determination, Collective Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Seven candles are lit and gifts are given to children on the basis of merit.

Already passed is The Eid ul-Adha, a Muslim celebration on December 8. It is a time of feasting and family get togethers, gift giving and special prayers that commemorate Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son to prove his obedience to Allah. Traditionally it is observed at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Andy and Toni of All Heart Weddings, send you our heart-felt wishes for a holiday season of Joy and Peace. May your celebrations bring you and your community spiritual sustenance that will guide you and keep you well in the New Year.