Newsletter Library - Celebrations

Think of Hallowe'en and images of small (and older) children trick or treating spring to mind. Carved out pumpkins, sweets, ghost stories are all commonplace...but where does it all come from? More →

So the Wheel of the Year turns, the nights draw in and our thoughts turn towards the long dark winter ahead. The festivals that once helped us through the dark and cold have been replaced by conspicuous consumption, Hallmark moments and the latest plastic thing that inevitably disappoints and is discarded and forgotten. More →

It is not long until St Valentine's Day but was it always about expensive cards, forced flowers flown in from abroad and overpriced meals in crowded restaurants? Well no, not really. The history of St Valentine's Day is confusing as there were three saints called Valentine, and it is not clear exactly which story was the definitive one. But going further back in time, St Valentine's Day is another example of the Christian church using Pagan festivals as a basis for their celebrations. More →

Beltane is an ancient celebration to mark the return of the sun. The earth is full of promise, fertile and ready to produce the wonders of summer and the Goddess becomes pregnant by the horned God. More →

There are many occasions where we can bring ceremony into our lives, for example to enhance the significance of a special birthday, or to celebrate a rite of passage such as reaching puberty, menopause or retirement, although the ones we know best of course are weddings, baby naming and funerals. We are used to these last three being performed within the auspices of the establishment, usually a church or sometimes for a wedding at a Register Office, yet many people aren't drawn to a religious wedding, christening or funeral, although they want more than the local Council Office can provide. Margot Oakenby thinks it's time for us to start crafting our own ceremonies. More →

In the first instalment of a series of articles, Rowan explains what a handfasting ceremony is and tells us about her and Vlad's decision that this is how they want to mark the beginning of their life together. More →

Christmas is coming... Here's some ideas for choosing guilt-free gifts for all your loved ones. More →

Brigit tells us what makes Christmas a magical time of year for her, and the BGI team share some hints for a greener Christmas. More →