Ceremonies

What IS a “ceremony“? It is a formal public occasion which celebrates a particular event, achievement, or anniversary. The RITUALS most commonly included in a ceremony express a transformation in the people involved from what they came as to the ceremony, move through it and come out somewhat changed to go forward in their future. Anke has created Significant Moments for the entire life circle – from womb to tomb literally – through her work as a childbirth educator and doula (birth support) and now as a marriage and celebrations of life (funeral) celebrant. Anke considers these moments to be our most sacred ones throughout life and as rites of passage.

Wedding Ceremonies

In weddings the above-mentioned ritual of transformation is most commonly symbolically expressed through the walking down the aisle and through an arch, the exchange of rings, and the words used. In times before official records, the unification of a couple in matrimony happened for example through simply tying a knot, a symbol which has been revived in modern weddings, along with other symbolic enactments, which I am happy to introduce you to as options for the creation of YOUR bespoke wedding ceremony! For those less interested in creative or spiritual expression, there are simpler options in Anke’s “Kiss & Go” or “No Fuss” options.

Anke welcomes same sex and overseas elopements, both of which tend to require more intimate settings and privacy. Something Anke is very happy to provide.

Irrespective of your personality, beliefs or style…. Gentle or loud, traditional or unconventional, spiritual or religious, free spirit or conservative, romantic or Zen… contact Anke for the creation and honouring of your significant moment in life!

Beginning of Life Celebrations

Life’s beginning, the arrival and welcoming of a new human being into the circle of family, friends and his/her community of support and influence throughout life deserves a lot more than a ceremony of “name-giving”. Where a religious christening or name-giving does not quite hit the mark for the parents, they may consider a welcoming / blessing ceremony which can be focused on name-giving, but also include rituals of gifting the child with special symbolised wishes from all in attendance, the appointment of “mentors” (equivalent to godparent but with no religious aspect) and other meaningful expressions. It is most suitably held at a home or garden where the child will grow up.

End of Life Celebrations

There is a lot to celebrate when a person is about to or has ended his or her life. A life is worth honouring or remembering with all those whose lives were touched by this person. The sharing of the special moments and the emotions, created and re-captured through that celebration, will live on, in private moments of reflection about that person. A true celebration of life is ABOUT the person lost, but FOR those they leave behind.

Anke also facilitates the local group under the guidelines of the worldwide movement: DEATH CAFE Dunedin group on Facebook. This vibrant and fun group of mostly strangers coming together to eat cake (!) and talk about death and dying and all the related emotions which not many people “out there” want to talk about! This is NOT counselling; there is no topic or guest speakers; we all share and listen to each of our own comfort levels and enjoy giving our remaining lives more living by making death part of life…. We meet once a month here in Dunedin.