While I’ve resisted the urge to fling glitter at the slightest
provocation, I have to admit that here at the Haggert Homestead it
doesn’t take much to find a cause for celebration. Over the years
we’ve gathered with our nearest and dearest to commemorate the
standards, like birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and the like.
We’ve also been known to plan a party around the 25th anniversary
of the loonie, Burning Man, Last Day Of Summer, First Day Of
Summer and several “bon voyages” as the girls have travelled for
work and school. And don’t think the kids didn’t catch on quick;
many moons ago, my youngest daughter, then aged 4, announced it
was her favourite doll’s birthday. Within an hour, my grandmother
and I had rustled up several imaginary guests, a real cake and a
loonie wrapped in tissue paper for the birthday babe’s gift.
It’s not just parties that we use to celebrate moments. I don’t
know if all families are this prepared, but we seem to have a
never-ending roll of craft paper stored away, ready to be whipped
out and fashioned into a personalized “welcome home” banner to
greet someone at the airport. Last year when my mother returned
from vacation via Detroit Metro Airport on her birthday, her
fellow passengers watched, and then applauded, as we met her at
the foot of the escalator with a rousing rendition of Happy
Birthday and a banner that said so.
Rituals. Parades. Food. Celebrations encompass all of these
things, and any occasion, milestone or experience, personal or
shared, is worthy of having one.
Ancient celebrations were also often centred on community,
food and festivals. Moments were tied to religious beliefs or to
the calendar, with observances related to the New Year or the
advent of harvest time. By marking these occasions, groups
believed they were showing gratitude towards the gods and
deities they deemed responsible for good health and prosperity.
The earth’s landscape is littered with sites believed to be places
where celebrations and festivals were held. Think Delphi, Olympia
and Stonehenge.
In early modern times, as common calendars were adopted,
celebrations continued to have a significant basis in religion or
facets of daily life. Entire populations often observed birthdays for
royalty or government figures. Agricultural rhythms meant the
difference between life and death for many; therefore, observing
occasions like planting and harvesting were natural expressions of
joy and hope.
Personal celebrations, rather than community-based, found
their roots in mythology. Some believe that birthday parties got
their start in Europe in response to superstition. It was believed that
evil spirits were attracted to a person on the anniversary of their
birth. By surrounding the celebrant with friends, family and lots of
noise, these evil spirits were kept away. Thinking of the noise that
comes from my neighbours’ yard as they celebrate every Saturday
night, I’m not sure the reverse isn’t true.
In 2014, celebrations are as much about making memories and
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Kim W
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