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I was so fortunate to be part of some incredible events these last few weeks. I know many of you have seen a few of these photos, but they are my favorites, and have a little commentary; some of the information is from sites where I read up on the cultural practices in India.
These are some of my thoughts about symbolism and it's importance in our lives.
Anand and the art of baby-welcoming.
The folded hands of Ram Parsad Shastra
Priest - Rama Temple
Namkarna (baby-naming ceremony) at
The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. I walked through the doors with my friend Kristy, as we were both excited to be somewhere we had never been. The first thing I noticed was the smell of Gonesh incense. I loved color, smell, song, and taste (the sweets!) of the ceremony.
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| Anand sleeping. He was so calm and relaxed during this ceremony. |
In Hindu tradition, sacred red string bracelets are known as "kalava" or "mauli," which translates to "above all." The kalava is tied onto a man's right wrist and a woman's left wrist at the beginning of a ceremony. It is worn for and symbolizes blessings to the wearer.
The traditional Kumkum or Kungumam(in Tamil Nadu) is made from dried turmeric. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a lime/lemon giving the rich red colored Kumkum or Roli. The red kumkum between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration
The swastika (Sanskrit svastika, "all is well") is a cross with four arms of equal length, with the ends of each arm bent at a right angle. Sometimes dots are added between each arm.
The swastika is an ancient symbol that has been found worldwide, but it is especially common in India. Its name comes the Sanskrit word svasti (sv = well; asti = is), meaning good fortune, luck and well-being.
Among all the major plants of India, Marigold is the most identical. The Marigold Flower holds the great religious significance. The Marigold flower is offered to God and Goddess in India.
The Baptism.
Anand has a grandmother that is Catholic, so he is a lucky baby growing up with Diwali and Christmas!
I love the use of both fire and water in the church, I think these are the two most important earthly elements, both so important. The balance between the two is just like the Yin and the Yang, too much of either one would eliminate the other.
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Motorcycles.
I consider myself an artist that moonlights as an emergency room nurse. Because I have "two lives" my feelings on motorcycles is mixed, but I generally find them to be exhilarating. Over the years the guys at my husband's fire department have managed to collect a few Harley-Davidson's, and two of them had organized
Guns 'N Hoses Poker Run, a 120-mile motorcycle ride symbolizing the honor of fallen heroes. Last year the money raised was donated to a paramedic that lost his life in an Air Angels crash. This year was the 2nd annual poker run, with the proceeds benefiting the family of a soldier killed in the war. On September 12th, Calumet city fire Department is having a firehouse dinner (cooked by the best cook in the house, my husband!). 200+ motorcyles, months of hard work, and a family dinner. All symbols of support to help ease a family's pain.
Sammy and Jimmy...Guns 'N Hoses organizers. I hope I can help them a little next year!
ALL of the motorcycles going by, from three feet away, was amazing! My adrenaline was pumping!!
One final note. These ceremonies celebrated birth and death. We as humans need celebrations of these events because I believe, no matter what is going on in the world, we all have hope. The life we live in between is an amazing one. Remember none of us are perfect, but we are all capable of amazing things!
"To Sammie, Jim and all the organizers and participants: what a great day Sunday was!! It was our first Poker Run experience and we had a wonderful time. The run was well organized and the bars were so accommodating. There isn't anyway to explain our pain and confusion. Our family misses Joe terribly but the out pouring of love and support has truly touched our hearts and saying 'thank you' falls short. God bless you all for thinking of our family and thank you again. Elva Hernandez, proud mother of Cpl. Joseph M. Hernandez."
Thanks for reading all of the way to the end!
Until next time...
Peace!
Day three--->
Fermentation tanks
A last stop before I was exhausted, the Saugatuck Brewing Co. is (as my mother would say) a very mom-and-pop place. This had a much more Wisconsin feel to it compared to everywhere else. Despite the dumping lake-effect snow, the place was warm and has great beer. There were several older people there, and an acoustic band covering classic rock... another beer and I would have wanted to stay, but we decided on some dinner and to get going on our way.
