Color of the day: White Incense of the day: Cedar This is the beginning of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African and diaspora culture. Some of its roots come from harvest festivals. Part of that process involves not just picking the ripe crops but also clearing away the remains to let the fields rest before the new planting. That ties into the practice of vigorous housecleaning prior to the arrival of guests for the holidays. In this we see the principle of Ujima, collective work and responsibility.
Now is a good time for a broom blessing. Traditionally a broom is made from broomcorn, although it may also be made from twigs. A broom cleans both physically and metaphysically. Lay your new broom on your altar and say:
"In the season of harvest,
We take up what is ripe
And we sweep away the chaff.
May this broom be consecrated
To clean and bless all that it touches." |