My family gathered this past weekend to celebrate the blessing of a precious, long-awaited baby. It was fabulous to be together, to feel the spirit of the occasion, to laugh and reminisce and play. These are truly days we remember.

Interestingly enough, we talked about that–the remembering component of celebration. My ever-thoughtful sister pointed out that ancient civilizations instituted celebrations to mark significant religious, political and cultural events (think the Children of Israel and the Passover, etc.). They knew this was the way to instill in themselves and their children the importance of what happened.

Today it is the same: celebrations are our way of reminding ourselves and teaching our children about what is truly important to us, about things we want to internalize and remember for life. I hadn’t thought of it exactly that way before, but truly, the things I remember most clearly in my life are linked to celebrations, which in turn speak about the beliefs and values by which I live.

What celebrations have had a lasting impact or meaning in your life?

photo credit: Paisley Studios