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Ritual Creation Checklist
On-line Planning Form
FAQs
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Ritual Creation Checklist
Creating a Ritual or Rite of Passage [Checklist in PDF]
A ritual ceremony or rite of passage can include any feature that will make the event meaningful for you. Although many rites of passage are sanctified by religious rituals, a ceremony can also be secular, or bring in aspects from more than one faith tradition. A ceremony or ritual, including a rite of passage, can be large or small, held indoors or outdoors, and can include any feature that speaks to you.
Based on my years of experience creating and participating in rituals of all sorts I can help you design one that will mark your special occasion. To help you begin to focus your thoughts about your upcoming ritual, here is a checklist to help give you some ideas. Although extensive, this list is by no means intended to be a complete list of possible options for your ritual. I would be glad to talk with you, in person or by phone, for a free consultation to discuss your ritual needs.
- What is the ultimate purpose of the ritual?
- Rite of passage
- Birth and infancy:
- Conception or pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Baby blessing or naming
- Adoption
- Coming of age:
- Into adulthood
- Into elderhood
- Graduation
- Marriage or other commitment ceremony
- Wedding
- Other commitment ceremony
- Spiritual or religious initiation
- Death and grieving
- Rite for the dying
- Memorial, funeral, and/or interment
- Other rites of passage
- Coming out as gay or lesbian, or transgender changes
- Divorce
- Departure of the last child from the household
- Health-related:
- Dealing with a life-threatening illness
- Dealing with a debilitating illness
- Healing from a long-term condition
- Achieving a degree, such as a PhD
- Transition from soldier to civilian, or from civilian to soldier
- Home related
- Moving from an old home
- Blessing a new home
- Job-related:
- Starting a new job or career
- Promotion
- Relocation
- Leaving an old job
- Retirement
- Celebration:
Purpose? ___________________________________________________________________
- Other ritual: ___________________________________________________________________
- What particular features would you like to include in your ritual?
- Words
- Secular
- Religious
- Published
- Specially created
- Spontaneous
- Music
- Instrumental
- Songs
- Performed live
- Recorded
- Sung by attendees
- Actions
- By principals only
- By all participants
- Movement within the space (e.g. a procession)
- Dance
- How long do you want the ritual to take?
- 1 hour or less
- More than 1 hour
- Who will be attending?
- Family only
- Close friends only
- Family and close friends
- Larger community
- Public
- How many people will be attending?
- Less than 10
- 10-30
- 30-100
- More than 100
- Other people’s roll in the ritual:
- Principals only
- All participants
- When will the ritual be held?
- Date ___________________________
- Time of day _____________________
- Where will the ritual be held?
- City _________________
- State ________________
- Private house
- Private yard
- Rented or other hall
- Public park or other outdoor setting
- What materials will be needed for the ritual?
- Large props (e.g. altars, arches, etc.)
- Flowers
- Candles
- Food and/or drink
- Other details:
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
Rev. Jenny Sill-Holeman, CHt, RM
Contact Rev. Jenny
650-369-6215 (phone & fax)
Redwood City, CA |
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