Why Ritual and Ceremony Are So Important

Ritual. It’s a word that can at times represent something grand as well as the mundane. As a wedding officiant, I regularly direct the ritual of the wedding ceremony. Within the wedding ceremony, there are the smaller rituals, such as the lazo or the unity candle. Even beyond that, what you may not realize is a ritual, is also a ritual—the exchanging of the rings, the reciting of the vows, even blowing bubbles at the end count as their own rituals.

The wedding ceremony, of course, is an example of the grand. But there are mundane rituals as well. Brushing your teeth or your hair, walking your dog, even making your coffee, are all rituals. And the beautiful thing is they can be made to feel ceremonial as well.

Every day when I make my coffee, I make the effort to stir an intention into it. For example, if I need to be productive that day, I will say something like, “I will be thoughtful today,” or simply “thoughtful,” while I stir the milk into my coffee. I then imagine that this intention is being absorbed by my body as I drink it.

But why is this important? Why do I take the time to do this every day? It’s not that I think it’s magic, although it does feel magical to me. Something like this doesn’t necessarily need to feel magical for it to work. What is important about ritualizing an everyday act like making your coffee, or even a big milestone like a wedding, is that it slows us down. It makes us present in that moment. It is an act of mindfulness. You are taking the time to notice what you are doing and making a choice to give it meaning, to honor it for what it is—a moment in your life that marks the passage of time. Some are small and some are huge, inspiring rituals and ceremonies to match.

Rev. Mercy pours water over Amanda and Zeke’s hands in a hand blessing ritual. Photo by Jade + Matthew Take Pictures

Which, you know what? Ceremony and ritual actually can make everything feel magical. They mark the passing of time in this one life that we have; they add a sense of the sacred. Ceremony and ritual remind us of how precious life is. How magical it is. How each little moment can be celebrated. How each major life transition can be honored. And to me that is magical, and why not live a life that feels more magical? Whether it’s falling in love and getting married, or enjoying that morning cup of coffee—everything in your life is a magical miracle. Take the time to honor it as such.

Are there any daily rituals you do that you feel inspired to make more magical or meaningful? Tell me in the comments below.

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If you’re planning a ceremony and would like to discuss ideas, feel free to Contact Me or Schedule a Call.