Party up ahead. Humbly requesting ideas for ritual activities; can range from high concept to downright soppy. Two couples leaving (launching), one to law and physical therapy schools and one couple with a 3 year old going to live in Bhutan for 6 months. All family, all leaving on the same day. You won't be able to swing a cat and not hit a road-map or inflatable globes, maps and old photos but I'm searching for memorable and heck, maybe even meaningful activities (and food and drink, and speeches, and songs and skits.... ) there's a lot riding on this so please let me thank you in advance for your generous additions. {Both couples in early 30's.}
posted by lois1950 on Jul 29, 2008 - 5 answers

What rituals do you have in your profession or job? A friend's son - who works in the construction industry - told me about "topping-out parties" once a building's top floor and roof structure have been completed. Now I'm curious about what other professions do. Not so interested in religious rituals though. [more inside]
posted by flutable on Jun 14, 2008 - 38 answers

In the next month an important anniversary of a loved one's suicide will be coming up. I have never until this year dealt with the feelings involved with the death and the emotions involved in the loss. I have very little memories of the actual funeral involved (I was 13) but it has been suggested to me (by therapist) that maybe I may like to do some sort of memorial or ritual signifying it. I like this idea. I just have no idea how. [more inside]
posted by beautifulcheese on Apr 13, 2008 - 10 answers

What online reads can you recommend on the subject of circadian rhythms and rituals, preferably from an anthropological and/or historical point of view? [more inside]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane on Jan 13, 2008 - 6 answers

After a run of reading somewhat serious, oftentimes depressing fiction and nonfiction, I'm looking for something more domestic. Have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by LoriFLA on Aug 29, 2007 - 19 answers

Recommendations and creative ideas for being the officiant at your friends wedding? [more inside]
posted by healthyliving on Jun 21, 2007 - 5 answers

A very bright acquaintance of mine, personable, well adjusted, loving dad, relaxes by watching the same short scenes from a favorite movie (LOTR, Matrix, etc.). He'll watch the same scene every night for months. He says that when the line is delivered, he feels complete and can go to bed. Is this common? Does this behavior have a name?
posted by kk on Aug 30, 2004 - 26 answers

Can anyone enlighten me as to Hannukah rituals? I've googled about, but only find the technicalities of ceremony. I need to know the things that people take for granted - whether presents get wrapped, if they get increasingly expensive across the days, what sort of things are usual to give and do. Everything.
posted by bonaldi on Dec 19, 2003 - 14 answers