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Festivals at the Ethical Society of St. Louis
Since the beginning of human history, cultures have developed rituals and ceremonies that mark the passage of time. The most sacred and inspiring secular and religious celebrations coincide with seasonal changes, equinoxes, and solstices. Why? Because these rhythms are literally in our blood, in our bones, in our plants and crops, in our animals, and in our rivers and waters. Our most ancient ancestors were keenly aware of the points of change in the seasonal cycles, and how they resonate as a force both outside and within us. As outside, the force invites awe and respect. As inside, it prompts celebration.
Ethical Society Festivals capture the spirit of these myriad ceremonies, both ancient and modern. They help us reflect on our past and the creativity of all cultures in celebrating change. By gathering together, we continue the ritual of community that binds us to our earth and each other.
Winter Festival | Spring Festival | Fall Festival
Winter Festival
It hasn't been long since the dark and cold of winter meant serious hardships for humans. Today, we can banish the shadows and cold by flicking a switch. Our ancestors did not have this luxury. But they understood the power of these downtimes. They coped with fire, animal skins, stored grains, and salted meat. And they created rituals and times of gathering in the company of others that fought off and honored the dark chill of winter.
Our Winter Festival, which occurs in conjunction with the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year), celebrates the return of the light. The Festival includes singing, readings, reflection, and ceremony. The central event is the Candle Lighting Ceremony, written by Percival Chubb, the second Leader of the St. Louis Society. And that most festive and jolly of winter spirits, St. Nicholas, usually finds time to pop in for a visit.
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Spring Festival
Spring Festival, like the season it celebrates, is a light, breezy affair accompanied by joyful singing and spirited readings. Our focus is on the awakening of nature from its winter sleep and the spiritual rebirth that we feel at this time of year. The timing of the festival around the spring equinox enables us to honor the varied religious and secular observations at this time of year, including Easter, Passover, and Earth Day. The festivities also serve as an apt prelude for other Society events at the close of the platform season, such as the Youth Sunday, the Coming of Age ceremony, and the Children's Carnival.
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Fall Festival
Our Fall Festival, held in November, celebrates the glory of fall. It also provides an opportunity for us to reflect on all of the good that has come to us in the past year. The Sunday School, which takes an active role in all of the festivals, leads the congregation in a telling of the story of stone soup. In this tale, a pot of boiling water and a stone turn into a delicious feast as one person at a time contributes a single ingredient to the soup. The thanksgiving celebration at Fall Festival made this gathering the favorite of Percival Chubb, our Society's second leader and the author of many of our festival traditions. "Our good fortune is dependent upon nature's bounty," Chubb said. "But I like to think of Thanksgiving as the time to express our thanks to the human family especially, for all the love and nurturing, all the joys and fulfillment that it has brought to our lives."
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