Each year, we write our troubles on pieces of paper and toss them in the fire on New Year's Eve, allowing us to start the year with lighter load. If you would like us to burn your troubles in our fire, send me an email at susannaholstein@yahoo.com, or leave a comment below and I will be sure they go into the flames.
If you prefer not to say what the troubles are, just say "Burn This" in your message and that is just what we will do.
The tradition of fire as a purifying ritual goes far back in man's history, and in Scotland fire festivals are still held on Hogmanay (New Year's Eve). I didn't know the history of fire-purifying rituals when we started doing this in 2000 but it seemed like a good way to start the new year. We've burned hundreds of troubles over the years and it feels good to know that for one moment, we are connecting with someone we might not know, and offering a small service to them as we toss their notes on the fire.
I am looking ahead and hoping for a better year, one that has more peace and less sadness, more joy and less stress, and health and plenty for all.
Lat year I had tons of trouble that you could burn, burn, burn but thankfully this year has turned around and I can't really say that I have any.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because you burned my troubles away last New Year! :0)
No troubles but I always wish for health and happiness for all!
Hope you have a great New Years!
My dear Sue , I too had a bad last year and was awaiting ileostomy reversal surgery at this time last year . I sent you my problem and poof you burned it away . I am once again healthy , happy and grateful . I have another problem this year , the habit of worrying over nothing and eveything , so if you can throw this in your bonfire I would greatly appreciate it . Many best wishes I send your way for a wonderful , prosperous year ahead .
ReplyDeleteThis past year, my troubles have been small, and if not small, then surmountable. So please burn some of the real troubles in the world around us - poverty, ignorance, intolerance - they can all go in my message to be burned. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSue -- I am new to your blog and I know I am going to enjoy it. I think this idea of burning your problems is a great idea. It is like a cleansing and gives one a fresh start into the new year. This year I have been fortunate so I can only say burn for those in need.
ReplyDeleteI read through your different blogs and read about the loss of your son this year. I lost my son two years ago -- my sincere thoughts of love go out to you and your family.
--- barbara
Thank you, Barbara. It's been a difficult year, but we are fortunate to have such loving family and friends to help us get through. Hugs to you, too--this is a sisterhood no one wants to join, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent ritual and one that I may have to start here on my farm. Starting the new year with a clear mind is what so many of us need.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the loss of your son. I did not realize that happened this year.
What a great tradition Sue; sounds like a great way to get rid of whats troubling a body. We just set up a chimmenea in the back yard; we might just have to give this a try. Hope you have a great new year. Hugs from mamabug!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful person you are!
ReplyDeleteSending you my 'goatless life' for the Hogmany flames in hopes the Universe will exchange it for a small patch of land and two goats....
My thanks.
Wishing you a bright New Year and looking forward to following your lovely blog!
~Mimi
www.thegoatborrower.blogspot.com
Thank you all for your comments.
ReplyDeleteMimi, come back often, you will always be welcome.
Farmchick, thank you for your thoughts. Friends and family are our rock; without, I don't know how we'd manage.
I don't know how to word the thing. I think maybe that's what I want to go in the fire. I want the words to find me.
ReplyDeleteI want 2011 to be a year when we move forward, back into the stream of things, back among our Kinsmen, people of like mind.
And I'm giving thanks for the advancements of the past year. I'm still a bit amazed!
Sue, My troubles are few, so I want the troubles of others to be cleaned away via your bondfire.
ReplyDeleteWishing us all a year of wonder, love, and peace.
Burn this for me...--thanks--Jane
ReplyDeleteIt warms my heart to know that my goatless life will be going up in flames at midnight........
ReplyDeleteThank you, Granny Sue....sincerely.....
;)
Please let my money and relationship problems be a thing of the past and go away with the flames
ReplyDeleteGingerGirl and Hart, yours have been printed and are ready for the fire. Brighid, thank you. It is good to know everything is smooth for you now, and that you enter the new year in a good place.
ReplyDelete