Blessing Way

I read an article yesterday that explains the ritual of the Navajo Indians called The Blessing Way.

A Blessing Way is used to celebrate major events in some one's life. It is a way for the friends and family to bestow blessings and well wishes to their loved ones who are facing a milestone in their lives.

We have become so accustomed to giving store bought presents as a means of celebration, that consumerism has robbed us of the real joy of the celebration. We over spend and try to out do each other to the point that we miss the true happiness of what we are celebrating.

A Blessing Way ceremony can be held for any major life changing event in some one's life. Instead of giving gifts, the friends and family communicate from the heart. they share words of encouragement and blessings to honor the transition in the person's life. You can have a Blessing Way ceremony to celebrate graduations, marriages, child birth, turning fifty, retirement, or any major change in some one's life.

One of the most touching Blessing Way ceremonies I read about,was the one for a baby shower. Instead of bringing presents, the host asked the guest to bring beads that will be used to make a necklace or bracelet for the new mother. Each guest presents the expectant mother with a bead and communicates to her a blessing or wish from their heart. When the necklace has been put together the mother-to-be can carry it with her into labor, or hang it over the baby's crib as a reminder of the loving energy that surrounds her through friends and family.
 This ceremony is usually called a Mother Blessing by the Navajos.