A ceremony ( UK : / ˈ s ɛ r ə m ə n i / , US : / ˈ s ɛ r ə ˌ m oʊ n i / ) is a unified ritualistic event with a purpose, usually consisting of a number of artistic components, performed on a special occasion.
56-401: Groundbreaking , also known as cutting , sod-cutting , turning the first sod , turf-cutting , or a sod-turning ceremony , is a traditional ceremony in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction for a building or other project. Such ceremonies are often attended by dignitaries such as politicians and businesspeople . The actual shovel used during the groundbreaking
112-412: A deity ; is considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspires awe or reverence among believers. The property is often ascribed to objects (a " sacred artifact " that is venerated and blessed ), or places (" sacred ground "). French sociologist Émile Durkheim considered the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane to be the central characteristic of religion : "religion
168-431: A "wall raising" in 1997 to draw attention to the start of their building project. Another developer from Santa Monica hosted a "bottoming out" party to mark the completion of their parking garage's lowest level. A Hollywood developer, TrizecHahn , practiced another unconventional ceremony. The company hosted a costly groundbreaking event for its $ 350-million Hollywood & Highland entertainment-retail project. The event
224-441: A beautiful interior and exterior place. Beauty is the essential core of ceremony, having always been part of "raising the spirit" and embedding the good in the memory. Ceremonies, as they always had been, are historically the bridge between the visual and performing arts and the people. Murphy and his followers, and international practitioners such as David Oldfield of Washington DC understand that ceremonies are core expressions of
280-566: A broad spectrum. The Mishnah lists concentric circles of holiness surrounding the Temple in Jerusalem : Holy of Holies , Temple Sanctuary, Temple Vestibule, Court of Priests, Court of Israelites, Court of Women, Temple Mount , the walled city of Jerusalem , all the walled cities of Israel, and the borders of the Land of Israel . Distinctions are made as to who and what are permitted in each area. Likewise,
336-434: A business activity for building interest in a new project/building. The ceremony generates positive press and regards those who are significant to the development and its overall scope. Usually, the project developer organizes groundbreaking ceremonies to attract clients and reflect positive impacts on the community, customers/clients, and employees. Often such ceremonies also incorporate speeches by people of influence, like
392-407: A civilised, stable and happy society. Here he echoed the conviction of the mythologist Joseph Campbell who had maintained the strongly asserted generality that the level of civilised behaviour in a society is directly linked to the practice of ceremonies and rites of passage . In addition, Messenger makes the following statements: To be powerful and effective, such ceremonies, in the view of all
448-617: A connotation of oneness and transparency like in the Jewish marriage example, where husband and wife are seen as one in keeping with Genesis 2:24. Kodesh is also commonly translated as 'holiness' and 'sacredness'. The Torah describes the Aaronite priests and the Levites as being selected by God to perform the Temple services; they, as well, are called "holy." Holiness is not a single state, but contains
504-402: A part of Hindu, Taoist, Shinto, Buddhist, and Feng Shui traditions. Historically, these are some notable events that were inaugurated by groundbreaking ceremonies. The reason for holding groundbreaking ceremonies in today's modern world has nothing or little to do with religion. Today, the western world exercises this old-age practice with a different purpose. Today, the celebratory serves as
560-437: A person inspired to improve lives at a deep and lasting level. For this reason they must be carefully chosen. The ideal is that they be educated in the humanities and trained to expertly co-create, creatively write and perform ceremonies. The funeral ritual, too, is a public, traditional and symbolic means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about the death of someone loved. Rich in history and rife with symbolism,
616-501: A sense of identity, esteem, shared values and beliefs and shared memorable events. Every ritual contains tender and sacred moments. And in those moments of sensitivity We are taken out of the normal flow of life, And out of our routines. We are then in an event that is irreplaceable and sacred . In ritual we participate in something deep and significant. They are moments which move our heart And touch our spirit. Lionel Murphy also knew that
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#1733093507274672-628: A term, is mostly misinterpreted as the idea of sanctification in Islam and it is used to pray about saints , especially among Sufis, in whom it is common to say "that God sanctifies his secret" ("qaddasa Llahou Sirruhu"), and that the Saint is alive or dead. Images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas are ceremonially consecrated in a broad range of Buddhist rituals that vary depending on the Buddhist traditions. Buddhābhiseka
728-624: A wide variety of interpretations on sacredness. The Anglican , Catholic , Lutheran , and Methodist Churches, believe in Holy Sacraments that the clergy perform, such as Holy Communion and Holy Baptism , as well as strong belief in the Holy Catholic Church , Holy Scripture , Holy Trinity , and the Holy Covenant . They also believe that angels and saints are called to holiness . In Methodist Wesleyan theology holiness has acquired
784-588: Is a Pali and Sanskrit term referring to these consecration rituals. Mormonism is replete with consecration doctrine, primarily Christ's title of "The Anointed One" signifying his official, authorized and unique role as the savior of mankind from sin and death, and secondarily each individual's opportunity and ultimate responsibility to accept Jesus' will for their life and consecrate themselves to living thereby wholeheartedly. Book of Mormon examples include "sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God" (Heleman 3:35) and "come unto Christ, who
840-607: Is a phenomenon found in several religions, especially religions which have eco-friendly belief as core of their religion. For example, the Indian-origin religions ( Buddhism , Hinduism , Jainism , and Sikism ) revere and preserve the groves , trees , mountains and rivers as sacred. Among the most sacred rivers in Hinduism are the Ganges , Yamuna , Sarasvati rivers on which the rigvedic rivers flourished. The vedas and Gita ,
896-408: Is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things , that is to say, things set apart and forbidden." In Durkheim's theory, the sacred represents the interests of the group, especially unity, which are embodied in sacred group symbols, or using team work to help get out of trouble. The profane, on the other hand, involve mundane individual concerns. The word sacred descends from
952-444: Is based on the Jewish concept of God, whose holiness is pure goodness and is transmissible by sanctifying people and things. In Islam , sanctification is termed as tazkiah , other similarly used words to the term are Islah -i qalb (reform of the heart), Ihsan (beautification), taharat (purification), Ikhlas (purity), qalb -is- salim (pure/safe/undamaged heart). Tasawuf (Sufism), basically an ideology rather than
1008-495: Is better understood as 'sacred' or 'sanctuary' in the context of places considered sacred in Islam. For example: The Hebrew word kodesh ( קֹדֶשׁ ) is used in the Torah to mean 'set-apartness' and 'distinct' like is found in the Jewish marriage ceremony where it is stated by the husband to his prospective wife, "You are made holy to me according to the law of Moses and Israel." ( את מקדשת לי כדת משה וישראל ). In Hebrew, holiness has
1064-528: Is communicated to things, places, times, and persons engaged in His Service. Thus, Thomas Aquinas defines holiness as that virtue by which a man's mind applies itself and all its acts to God; he ranks it among the infused moral virtues , and identifies it with the virtue of religion. However, whereas religion is the virtue whereby one offers God due service in the things which pertain to the Divine service, holiness
1120-419: Is considered among the gravest of sins. The various sacrifices are holy. Those that may be eaten have very specific rules concerning who may eat which of their parts, and time limits on when the consumption must be completed. Most sacrifices contain a part to be consumed by the priests—a portion of the holy to be consumed by God's holy devotees. The encounter with the holy is seen as eminently desirable, and at
1176-457: Is generally held when a new Jain temple is erected or new idols are installed in temples. The consecration must be supervised by a religious authority, an Acharya or a Bhattaraka or a scholar authorized by them. Hierology ( Greek : ιερος, hieros , 'sacred or 'holy', + -logy ) is the study of sacred literature or lore . The concept and the term were developed in 2002 by Russian art-historian and byzantinist Alexei Lidov . Analysing
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#17330935072741232-642: Is generally used in relation to people and relationships, whereas sacredness is used in relation to objects, places, or happenings. For example, a saint may be considered as holy but not necessarily sacred. Nonetheless, some things can be both holy and sacred, such as the Holy Bible . Although sacred and holy denote something or someone set apart to the worship of God and therefore, worthy of respect and sometimes veneration, holy (the stronger word) implies an inherent or essential character. Holiness originates in God and
1288-405: Is often a special ceremonial shovel, sometimes colored gold, meant to be saved for subsequent display and may be engraved . In other groundbreaking ceremonies, a bulldozer is used instead of a shovel to mark the first day of construction. In some groundbreaking ceremonies, the shovel and the bulldozer mark the first day of construction. In other places, this ceremony can be replaced by a "laying of
1344-506: Is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption, ... and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved" (Omni 1:26). In most South Indian Hindu temples around the world, Kumbhabhishekam , or the temple's consecration ceremony, is done once every 12 years. It
1400-537: Is the virtue by which one makes all one's acts subservient to God. Thus, holiness or sanctity is the outcome of sanctification , that Divine act by which God freely justifies a person and by which He has claimed them for His own. The English word holy dates back to the Proto-Germanic word hailagaz from around 500 BCE , an adjective derived from hailaz ('whole'), which was used to mean 'uninjured, sound, healthy, entire, complete'. In non-specialist contexts,
1456-496: Is usually done to purify the temple after a renovation or simply done to renew the purity of the temple. Hindus celebrate this event on the consecration date as the witnessing gives a good soul a thousand "punya", or good karma . Panch Kalyanaka Pratishtha Mahotsava is a traditional Jain ceremony that consecrates one or more Jain Tirthankara icons with celebration of Panch Kalyanaka (five auspicious events). The ceremony
1512-574: The Jewish holidays and the Shabbat are considered to be holy in time; the Torah calls them "holy [days of] gathering." Work is not allowed on those days, and rabbinic tradition lists 39 categories of activity that are specifically prohibited. Beyond the intrinsically holy, objects can become sacred through consecration . Any personal possession may be dedicated to the Temple of God, after which its misappropriation
1568-452: The Latin sacer , referring to that which is ' consecrated , dedicated' or 'purified' to the gods or anything in their power, as well as to sacerdotes . Latin sacer is itself from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂k- "sacred, ceremony, ritual". Although the terms sacred and holy are similar in meaning, and they are sometimes used interchangeably, they carry subtle differences. Holiness
1624-677: The Latin Sanctus (to set apart for special use or purpose, make holy or sacred) and consecrat (dedicated, devoted, and sacred). The verb form 'to hallow' is archaic in English, and does not appear other than in the quoted text in the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament. The noun form hallow , as used in Hallowtide , is a synonym of the word saint . In the various branches of Christianity
1680-403: The dialectic of the sacred, Mircea Eliade outlines that religion should not be interpreted only as "belief in deities", but as "experience of the sacred." The sacred is presented in relation to the profane; the relation between the sacred and the profane is not of opposition, but of complementarity, as the profane is viewed as a hierophany . French sociologist Émile Durkheim considered
1736-400: The dichotomy between the sacred and the profane to be the central characteristic of religion : "religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things , that is to say, things set apart and forbidden." In Durkheim's theory, the sacred represented the interests of the group, especially unity, which were embodied in sacred group symbols, or totems . The profane, on
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1792-417: The tea ceremony . Ceremonies may have a physical display or theatrical component: dance , a procession , the laying on of hands. A declaratory verbal pronouncement may explain or cap the occasion, for instance: Both physical and verbal components of a ceremony may become part of a liturgy . Consecration Sacred describes something that is dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of
1848-503: The "supernatural infrastructure" or de Botton the "implausible supernatural element". Most religions claim some extra advantage conferred by the deity, e.g., Roman Catholics believe that through the words of consecration in the mass ceremony, God himself becomes actually present on the altar. Both religious and civil ceremonies share the powerful psychological, social and cultural influences which all ceremony seeks to attain. The style of music played, words used, other components and
1904-512: The British Isles during the mid-19th century. Commonly recognized outward expressions or "standards" of holiness among more fundamental adherents frequently include applications relative to dress, hair, and appearance: e.g., short hair on men, uncut hair on women, and prohibitions against shorts, pants on women, make-up and jewelry. Other common injunctions are against places of worldly amusement, mixed swimming, smoking, minced oaths , as well as
1960-523: The United Kingdom and some states of the US. According to Dally Messenger III secular ceremonies are "roadmap" influences which lead to an acceptable, ethical and dignified life. Ceremonies contribute to the unseen ingredients of psychological stability, a sense of identity, reassurances of life's purposes, and the personal sense of self-worth. Murphy considered that personal genuine ceremonies were central to
2016-400: The construction industry. Early ceremonies were rooted in religion; by now, their basic foundations have still stood the test of time. Initially, some offerings/refreshments were also used to offer in such ceremonies, including; The first documented groundbreaking ceremony took place in ancient China , in 113 BC. Later, the tradition of symbolically consecrating the project's location became
2072-592: The contract, exchange of rings and the wedding cake . Writer and philosopher de Botton maintains atheists should appropriate many of the useful insights, artistic treasures and symbolism inspired by religion. He argues that the secular world can also learn from the religions the importance of community and continuity. Messenger agrees, and points out that the success of civil celebrants in Australia has been partly due to their espousing of these principles, both in theory and practice, since 1973. The main impetus to
2128-425: The culture. Done well, they can assist in major decision-making , bring emotional security , strengthen bonds between people , and communicate a sense of contentment . To quote David Oldfield: Rituals and ceremonies are an essential and basic means for human beings to give themselves and others the necessary messages which enable the individual to stay human. They communicate acceptance, love,
2184-497: The designation of ariya-puggala ('noble person'). Buddha described the Four stages of awakening of a person depending on their level of purity. This purity is measured by which of the ten samyojana ('fetters') and klesha have been purified and integrated from the mindstream . These persons are called (in order of increasing sanctity) Sotāpanna , Sakadagami , Anāgāmi , and Arahant . The range of denominations provide
2240-633: The details differ. Sanctification in Christianity usually refers to a person becoming holy, while consecration in Christianity may include setting apart a person, building , or object, for God. Among some Christian denominations there is a complementary service of " deconsecration ", to remove something consecrated of its sacred character in preparation for either demolition or sale for secular use. In rabbinic Judaism sanctification means sanctifying God's name by works of mercy and martyrdom , while desecration of God's name means committing sin . This
2296-509: The development of quality civil ceremonies in the Western world was the foresight of the Australian statesman, senator and high court judge, Lionel Murphy . In 1973 in Australia, the civil celebrant program entrusted appropriately selected individuals to provide non-church people with ceremonies of substance and dignity. This initiative to a great extent has now been followed by New Zealand, Canada,
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2352-694: The eschewing of television and radio. Among the names of God in the Quran is Al-Quddus ( القدوس ): found in Q59:23 and 62:1 , the closest English translation is 'holy' or 'sacred'. (It shares the same triliteral Semitic root , Q-D-Š , as the Hebrew kodesh .) Another use of the same root is found in the Arabic name for Jerusalem: al-Quds , 'the Holy'. The word ħarām ( حرام ), often translated as 'prohibited' or 'forbidden',
2408-420: The first stone" event. When used as an adjective, the term groundbreaking may mean being or making something that has never been done, seen, or made before; "stylistically innovative works". Groundbreaking ceremonies have been celebrated for centuries in an attempt to begin the construction of a property, thanking those who made it possible. Though adapted to modern times, these ceremonies are still important to
2464-647: The founder of the company, a celebrity , or a known politician/member of the community. The sole purpose of such speeches is to showcase how a company is working, growing, meeting its mission, and/or reflecting on its vision, the company's struggles, and future plans. To create a lasting impression of the company and the ceremony, some common supplies, including shovels, hardhats, etc., are given to participants/attendees. Nowadays, real estate companies are trying different approaches to their groundbreaking ceremonies to stand out among their competitors and draw media attention. A Los Angeles developer Lowe Enterprises , hosted
2520-419: The funeral ceremony helps us acknowledge the reality of the death, gives testimony to the life of the deceased, encourages the expression of grief in a way consistent with the culture's values, provides support to mourners, allows for the embracing of faith and beliefs about life and death, and offers continuity and hope for the living. Naming Ceremonies existed in human culture long before Christianity or any of
2576-443: The major religions came on the scene. Every community has a ceremony to welcome a new child into the world, to give that child recognition, and to celebrate the birth of new life. Other, society-wide ceremonies may mark annual or seasonal or recurrent events such as: Other ceremonies underscore the importance of non-regular special occasions, such as: In some Asian cultures, ceremonies also play an important social role, for example
2632-624: The most sacred of hindu texts were written on the banks of Sarasvati river which were codified during the Kuru kingdom in present-day Haryana . Among other secondary sacred rivers of Hinduism are Narmada and many more. Among the sacred mountains, the most sacred among those are Mount Kailash (in Tibet), Nanda Devi , Char Dham mountains and Amarnath mountain, Gangotri mountain. Yamunotri mountain, Sarasvotri mountain (origin of Sarasvati River ), Dhosi Hill , etc. In Theravada Buddhism one finds
2688-440: The other hand, involved mundane individual concerns. Durkheim explicitly stated that the dichotomy sacred/profane was not equivalent to good/evil . The sacred could be good or evil , and the profane could be either as well. In ancient Roman religion , the concept of sacrosanctity ( Latin : sacrosanctitas ) was extremely important in attempting to protect the tribunes of the plebs from personal harm. The tribunician power
2744-416: The removal of corpses to graveyards and similarly profane work, the city gates were left exempted from the rite. Indian-origin religion , namely Hinduism and its offshoots Buddhism , Jainism and Sikhism , have concept of revering and conserving ecology and environment by treating various objects as sacred, such as rivers, trees, forests or groves, mountains, etc. Sacred rivers and their reverence
2800-449: The scholars in the field, had to have impact. This occurred when the ceremony was framed by the visual and performing arts. Great care had to be taken in creating and choosing the poetry, prose, stories, personal journeys, myths, silences, dance, music and song, shared meditations, choreography and symbolism which comprised a ceremony. To reinforce the psychological and cultural power of ceremony it should be enacted, as far as possible, in
2856-625: The secondary meaning of the reshaping of a person through entire sanctification . The Holiness movement began within the United States Methodist church among those who thought the church had lost the zeal and emphasis on personal holiness of Wesley's day. Around the middle of the 20th century, the Conservative Holiness Movement , a conservative offshoot of the Holiness movement, was born. The Higher Life movement appeared in
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#17330935072742912-453: The structure vary. As Edward Schillebeeckx writes about the marriage ceremony , there are a number of ancient traditional elements in both church and civil ceremonies in the western world. Key ceremonies date from the pre-Christian Roman and Greek times, and their practices have continued through the centuries. For example, from pre-Christian Roman times in the marriage ceremony, we inherit best men and bridesmaids , processions, signing of
2968-408: The superficial, the unaware, were not the right persons to bring this about. The civil celebrant needs to have a rich skill-set and knowledge base. Murphy is on the record as asserting that the civil celebrant needed to have a "feel" for ceremony and be professional, knowledgeable, educated, creative, imaginative, inspired, well presented, idealistic, and well practised. The civil celebrant should be
3024-572: The term holy refers to someone or something that is associated with a divine power , such as water used for baptism . The concept of things being made or associated with the sacred is widespread among religions , making people, places, and objects revered, set apart for special use or purpose, or transferred to the sacred sphere. Words for this include hallow , sanctify , and consecrate , which can be contrasted with desecration and deconsecration . These terms are used in various ways by different groups. Sanctification and consecration come from
3080-459: Was later arrogated to the emperors in large part to provide them with the role's sacred protections. In addition to sanctifying temples and similar sanctuaries, the Romans also undertook the ritual of the sulcus primigenius when founding a new city—particularly formal colonies —in order to make the entire circuit of the town's wall ritually sacred as a further means of protection. In order to allow
3136-450: Was served by Music producer Quincy Jones and catered by the famed chef Wolfgang Puck . Ceremony The word may be of Etruscan origin, via the Latin caerimonia . According to Dally Messenger and Alain de Botton , in most Western countries the values and ideals articulated in both church and civil ceremonies are generally similar. The difference is in what Messenger calls
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