Post by wren on Nov 2, 2006 13:31:20 GMT -5
This is a small and simple ceremony that can be performed among friends or family. In Breton Celtic tradition, this ceremony is performed using a small box of salt, and a bottle of Chouchenn (hydromel) or other kind of Mead, but other drinks could be used instead. The people involved in the ceremony, should sit in a circle, around a table (preferably a round table, but any other will do too). Any people present that do not participate, should not sit in this circle during the ceremony. The ceremony begins with the ceremony master, which could be you.
1. You take a bit of salt from the box, and put it in the hand of the person who sits on your left.
2. You speak to him/her the following words: “The salt, for the bitterness of life.”
3. The person on your left puts the salt in his/her mouth, and eats it.
4. Then, you fill his/her glass with the Chouchenn (or other drink), while speaking the following words: “The Chouchenn [or name of the drink you use], to rejoice the soul.”
5. You hand over the glass with the drink, and say the following: “I am the past and the future. And the future commands: be my friend for the present.”
6. The person can now drink his glass.
7. After he has emptied his glass, he will start over from step 1, with the person on his left.
The ceremony continues to repeat for each person in the circle, clockwise, until the circle is complete and the last person does it to you (or to the ceremony master).
1. You take a bit of salt from the box, and put it in the hand of the person who sits on your left.
2. You speak to him/her the following words: “The salt, for the bitterness of life.”
3. The person on your left puts the salt in his/her mouth, and eats it.
4. Then, you fill his/her glass with the Chouchenn (or other drink), while speaking the following words: “The Chouchenn [or name of the drink you use], to rejoice the soul.”
5. You hand over the glass with the drink, and say the following: “I am the past and the future. And the future commands: be my friend for the present.”
6. The person can now drink his glass.
7. After he has emptied his glass, he will start over from step 1, with the person on his left.
The ceremony continues to repeat for each person in the circle, clockwise, until the circle is complete and the last person does it to you (or to the ceremony master).