'Birth, Marriage & Death' conversations - E13 Learning Community

COMMITMENTFAMILYThis session was held in May 2012. Participants included people who defined their faith asMuslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Agnostic, Our cultural backgrounds included Hungarian,Somalian, Ugandan, Malaysian, Turkish, Caribbean, Pakistani, Bengali and British. Therewere people who had been married recently or were about to tie the knot, and otherswho’d been married many years, more than once, divorced or remained single or werecommitedly celibate.The session was broken up into a series of activities, sometimes in pairs or small groups,as well as those with the whole group such as sharing marriage-related artefacts, mappinghow important marriage is in society, and sharing our wishes for E13 newlyweds in thecoming year.LOVEHEN/STAG NIGHTSItems we shared which were connectedto marriage in our familiesFOODHONESTYCEREMONYMarks of respect — how tWeddings are a time of joy and celebration in allgrows over time. Many cultures have pre-weddinseparately - for example hen or henna (mehndi) nduring the ceremony. In some traditions or familiseparate, or there may be no religious ceremony adifferent even within the same religion.The giving of cards and gifts (perhaps from a wecommon, as is giving the newly-weds some time algenerally expressing happiness and congratulationwelcome. Practical help, such as helping create pafter the wedding might be valuable. And being oof support too.TRUSTOur wishes for people getting married in E13 in 2012 and 2013Have a prosperous and happy marriage and family. Talk honestly.May your marriage last forever. Bring out the best in each other.Be true to yourselves. Don’t get stuck in a mindset. Joy and happiness.Find the real meaning of love. Peace and harmony. Wealth and abundance.May your relationship grow. Have a meaningful relationship.Enjoy yourself and spread happiness to your partner and your family.Find fulfilment. Don’t forget to have fun together.ARRANGEDSPIRITUAL UNIONFOREVER?CELEBRATIO