Sounds like how long it's been since I blogged. Oh wait, that would be more like FOREVER and a day. But really, this evening I went to a friend's handfasting. It's mostly a Pagan ceremony and is sort of a temporary/trial marriage. They are married for a year and a day then can decide to be married for forever then, or walk away. It was very interesting. They lit various colors of candles in a certain order than symbolized different things (there was a member of the wedding party who served as sort of a narrator to explain what everything meant which was cool.) had a "sacred circle," drank some Martinelli's (instead of wine), and then tied their hands together, supposedly for 48 hours (but they are going to cheat because they have a baby to take care of.).
It was really interesting. I have this thing about other religions and cultures. I love them! Do I love my own, too? Of course. And more than that I believe it is true (religion. Not culture. There is no such thing as a true culture!) so I follow it, to the best of my ability. But I just think learning about others is so fun.
Earlier today I had another adventure. Monday is World Turtle Day and I really wanted to get a picture or 2 the green sea turtle at Living Planet for my Examiner article. You know the one that escaped a shark and a boat accident and lived? She is cool! However, my pictures weren't so awesome. So I ended up using one of the new musk turtle they have. Anyway, I really wanted to get the aquarium to see the turtles and everything else and write about it. So I did! I went to "Strut Your Mutt" in the morning for school, but having no mutt to strut, I left and went to the Aquarium.
I love the aquarium. I love the seahorses, the jellyfish, and the penguins. I love petting the stingrays. I love hearing kids ask questions. I love the new exhibits with glow-in-the-dark scorpions and colorful geckos. It is just a fun place to hang out. And since I just renewed my yearly membership, I will be going back. So, if you are bored and feel like looking at some pretty cool critters and want some company, well, I'm game.
I always enjoy learning about other cultures and religion. People would view that as not being content with my own culture & religion...but it DOES help break down ignorance. I was talking with my Institute directors and we had a Passover dinner. How awesome is that?! When else would LDS YSA get that opportunity??
ReplyDeleteI love when religious individuals participate in others beliefs (i.e. the Passover dinner which I also had an opportunity to have). I also really like the idea of handfasting. Not for a temporary trial period but the notion of having yourself completely linked to that one person is just such a nice, romantic idea. Call me old-fashioned...or pagan ha ha. :D
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you got to go.