Christian Festivals

[Bruce Michael]

Dear Friends,
I have often considered the need for the development of Christian festivals suitable for our time. For the most part in the Western World today, such ceremonies are not what they once were.

I admire what the Hindus do in this regard. Their celebrations are truly magnificent. Even the Hari Krishna group produce marvelous street floats depicting the life of Krishna.

In the past, Christians also had colorful floats demonstrating the life of Christ- even Adam and Eve made an appearance. I have some woodcut pictures of these wooden carts.

We are coming up to the Michael festival, and attempts have been made to make this into something very powerful. I say "attempts" because I think we still have some way to go.

What makes for a great spiritual festival? How do we go about it and what are the rewards?

A while back I attended a Labyrinth festival. The labyrinth was laid out in brickwork, and one by one folk made thier way to the center. There was provision made for a fire, but this was not lit on the day.

That labyrinth was based on a design from Chartres Cathedral:

Example: The Interfaith Labyrinth

Labyrinth walking has really taken off in recent years.

-Br.Bruce