Day of Lament

Last Saturday in July - Many events combined to bring about the deterioration of the Greek empire. One of these was the death of Alexander the Great. But as to changes from within, nothing spelled the beginning of the end more than the verdict of Theodosius, decreeing only Christianity would be the accepted religion of the now Roman empire. Greeks loved to ponder theories and debate, and were open to other paths of thought. Since the time of Jesus of Nazareth death on the cross, there was healthy, open debate as to whether He and God were equal, or whether the Holy Spirit entered Him at baptism and left on the cross, the difference between the disciples who'd known Him and Paul's teachings. There were Greeks who even added Him to their other deities.

Suddenly there was a list of what had been decided was true, period. No more discussion. For early Christianity it caused splintering still going on today. For everyone else, it was the beginning of dark times bringing persecution, torturing, conquering nations and death. Statues were covered up with fig leafs, scrolls burned, an entire people's culture, language and art destroyed. Original thinkers, men of science, inventors, killed. - throughout the world over and over again - as the dark age of the church spread. All in the name of the "Holy" Church and for the glory of it's God and Son.

So this day is a day of mourning. A day we allow ourselves to feel sadness for the loss of the times of reason, debate and open-minded-ness. To think of those who's ideas, music, art and inventions were never gifted to us, along with the hope that perhaps in these more recent times, thanks to modern creations such as the internet, people throughout the world can come together online to discuss, exchange ideas and good-natured debate.

Twenty-Day

This custom originated within the school of Epicurean philosophy.  Although Rational Hedonism eventually branched out, it has continued to honor Epicurus by what has evolved to be a monthly dinner party/"Thanksgiving"-style meal where friends and/or family are invited. Rational Hedonism is about enjoying the simple pleasures of life, which includes surrounding yourself with people you like and enjoying good company, good conversation, and good food. In a hectic world of everyone in the family on different schedules, parents and kids alike unable to tear away from texting for even a half hour, and fast food or microwavable dinners, Rational Hedonism says, "Stop! Time Out!".

Home cooked food doesn't contain the hydrogenated fats and super sugared or salted ingredients, the apartment/home is bathed in mouth-watering smells, Cell phones off, gradually unwinding and catching up  and reconnecting with those in your circle. 

Life Events

Childhood

Birth 

​For every one of us individually, the world begins the day you are born.  Every living person person is here, against difficult odds. While every day of life is a privilege, the day yours started is most special. Traditionally, a newborn (including adopted babies) is lightly massaged using olive oil as soon as possible. Wreaths, traditionally of olive leaves, were hung on the door or doorknob, but nowadays wreaths can be made of any leaves (from ivy to palms).  A woolen ribbon or hair band is entwined and hanging from the wreath if it is a girl.

Amphidromia and Naming Ceremony 
In ancient days, the amphidromia or celebration of the Hearth was on the baby's fifth day of life, and the Naming day was on the tenth (after the baby showed itself healthy enough to survive).  Nowadays, the two are combined. On the fifth day, the amphidromia is held.  The head of the house invites close family and friends whom they hope to have a positive, educational influence during their child's life.  The baby is taken from room to room, publicly welcoming them to the home and family and the parent(s) announce the baby's name.

Homeschooling is highly valued for the best education and to encourage natural curiosity and talents of the child.

Coming of Age Ceremony 

​Rite of passage - for girls it happens some time after the onset of menstruation and is similar to Quinceañera; for boys it takes place at age 14, and is a cross between Bar Mitzvah or Confirmation. A rite of passage that recognizes the boy is becoming a man, and needs to learn how to be a good man... a girl has much female knowledge to learn from the women.

Marriage

There are a few things that make R.H. weddings distinct, after these it's however elaborate, formal or not as the couple decides.

One is the wedding dress is never all virginal white. Whether it's a sash, in the train, or on the dress itself, there will be a splash of color, either the bride's favorite, or to match the theme. Another is the use of crowns (as in a traditional Greek wedding) connected by a ribbon for the couple, signifying their individuality, their bloodline, like royalty, coming together to combine to make something more with the two. Either both parents (not just the father) or surrogate parents/friends walks with the bride from one side, while the groom's parents do the same - again signifying two families combining.

Hesperides Ceremonies

Why wait until someone special is gone before gathering loved ones together? Hesperides (Sunset) Ceremonies celebrate and highlight the fun and happiness, tears and sadness, anecdotes and life stories. Let people know how much they are loved, what they've meant to you, what they've given. It's not for dying, or the old, it can be for a major move, or life changing thing. For elderly R.H.ers, it can be a chance to give away special gifts, the emerald necklace and the story that goes with it to a granddaughter, signed books, figurines or family dishes. This is a much more gentler way of family then waiting until death and squabbling over things. This is done with love and allows the person the joy of giving and seeing the face of the one being given to, and is part of a letting go process for all. (Of course, some things won't actually be taken until later).

Celebration of Life

When death comes, it is a goodbye to someone loved, a presence in your life no longer there. In all history past, they did not exist, for a brief time their life here burned, then flickered, winked out, and now for all future to come, again do not exist. Rational Hedonists value life and mourn death, but ensure their loved ones are not forgotten, and memorialized in a fitting way.