A baby cries in the night longing to hear his mother’s heart beating as she holds him close to her. He looks for the warmth of his mother’s arms that fills his body with comfort. Where is the milk from his mother’s breast? He is hungry and tired.
An older man searches through the rubble where once stood his house. He looks for his home and family. Thunder from the sky has destroyed his life.
Young men are pawns in a massive chess game, held in the sea of false truths, greed, and ambition, who get to die in the mud of hope.
Fathers pass thoughts and their lives to their sons, the thoughts of hatred and sin passed by blood and false knowledge.
He, who accepts evil without protest, is really co-operating with it.
There is no conflict between the old and the new. The conflict is between what is false and what is true
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it.
He who strikes the first blow confesses that he has run out of ideas of peace.
“Why… is the lost word in the world of hate.”
War is all about crying.
***
John Rifenberg is co-chairman of the writing group of Royal Palm Beach. He has just finished his newest book “The Alphabet Out of Order,” which is an assortment of stories and poems, including his award winning short stories.
In a world that is moving at warp speed, our modes of experiencing everything artistic and cultural are racing ahead as well. Traditional ways of participating in the art world—like going to a museum, taking in a concert or engaging in a pottery or photography session—will probably never go out of style. But some new forms of enjoying the arts may lay claim to a significant chunk of our leisure time.
The Art Selfie. No, this isn’t submitting your latest selfie to the curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see if it can garner wall space. It is, however, an app where you can upload your personal photo and superimpose it onto a classic masterpiece.
You might find that you bear resemblance to, say, Henri Matisse’s self-portrait, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Boticelli’s Birth of Venus. Sounds to me like an entertaining and slightly educational way to kill time while in the doctor’s waiting room. The Art Selfie is available on Google Play or your app store. https://artsandculture.google.com/camera/selfie
Google Arts & Culture. Explore major socio-political events through photography, see digitally-magnified masterpieces up close, or research a myriad of art media types. This enlightening activity surpasses any TV fare, save PBS and certain streamed shows. https://artsandculture.google.com/
Kenneth Schlenker, a former Google employee, has fused art and technology in order to change the shape of the art world and turn the viewing and buying experience into a stimulating social event. He is the founder and CEO of Gertrude (meet-up for art).
Most are aware of tumblr.com which is primarily a photography platform. One prominent contributor is Sam Horine. Sam Horine is a photographer and an adjunct instructor at NYU. His love for his home city of NYC is his primary subject—although, his innovative vertical panoramas of the northwest are also serious eye-catchers.
Emerging potters such as JAS at www.episode.nyc is an example of what a quick Google search will bring to your phone in the art realm.
What all this shows is that new technologies are interrupting age-held concepts of visual art and exhibiting. But for those of you who enjoy traditional imbibing, here are some November opportunities that won’t disappoint.
At the King’s Academy theatre on Belvedere, see the students’ rendition of The Messiah on December 8th.
Head out to 415 Clematis Street to the Palm Beach Photographic Centre https://www.workshop.org/ for exhibits and classes.
The Kravis Center brings a full line-up of holiday offerings, but here are two productions of note: Rock of Ages – Nov 6th (after you vote) and Steven Stills and Judy Collins in concert on November 13.
Looking for dance that you can not only watch, but also participate in? Check out Demetrius Kline Do It Yourself Dance, https://www.diydance.org. Performances and classes are held at Memorial Presbyterian church in West Palm by the Norton.
Whatever you do, whether it’s in the digital realm or in real time, heed these words of Van Gogh: “Without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful.”
Imagine a time in your life when you felt successful. You were on top of the world; your flow carried you effortlessly through achievement after achievement, nothing could de-rail you. Peers asked for your advice; you lost friends because of their envy and you went to bed with a smile on your face, happily anticipating the next day. If that achievement wasn’t your workout routine, read on.
For the last 20 years, I have trained highly successful business people to achieve what they were finding unattainable: positive physical improvements. I had a client, who was a prominent Los Angeles lawyer, tell me, “If I could pay you to do this for me, I would” and I realized right then, that was his hindrance: he hadn’t paid anyone to survive his abusive childhood or his scholarship to Harvard Law. He hadn’t paid his beautiful wife to marry him before graduation or his firm to make him a partner. So why would he have the mindset that physical success was unattainable unless he paid for it?
We re-grouped and started to work on a strategy which would help him approach his fitness as though it was a tough but attainable goal.
Find the “Why” that makes you cry
We are all familiar with goal-setting but I have found that if we keep asking “why do I want this?” until we tear up, then that’s when we strike gold. The gold which keeps us motivated but also the gold which is our truth. The self-talk could be as follows: “why do I want to lose weight? Because I want to be skinny. Why? Because I want to fit into my skinny jeans. Why? So, I can bend down and play with my grandchildren. Why? SO, I LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THEM GRADUATE!”. Find your why and write it down.
You’ve got your “Why”, now it’s time for your “Wants”
Once you’ve determined your WHY, it’s time to write that down as a title and then write down what you actually want. This is where you can be detailed about what you want to achieve, but a word of caution at this stage: you have to ignore that niggling question: “how?”. It will only get in your way. Write down: “to fit in my skinny jeans”, “to lower my A1c”, “get back into that dress”, “because I have a college reunion”, “to feel sexy”. These are your wants. The ‘how’ will follow.
Choose your HOW and be willing to change it without giving up
How many ways to skin a cat? I’m not sure but I’d rather there be an infinite number of ways to fail than just one way to succeed. What I mean is, if the way you’re trying doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goal, it means your method needs to be changed. Explore your “hows”:
Find someone who has achieved what you want and emulate
Research every which way you can get what you want
Hire a professional
Celebrate measurable milestones and record them
Keeping the end game in sight is important but you’ll never get there without celebrating the milestones. If your goal is to lose 50lbs, the first celebration could be when you’re 10lbs down, you donate all of your clothes which are too large! Write it down, take photos, get a tax refund, celebrate!
***
Lynda Linforth moved from UK to Los Angeles to chase the American dream and had dominated the fitness industry in that area since 1998. She has owned and operated several personal training companies specializing in weight loss and post-rehab exercise. Her newspaper column, “Trainer Tips”, was published in the LA based Beacon Media Group for five years and she now lives in Royal Palm Beach, Florida with her fiancé and their three boys, Moses, Winston and Zack. She can be contacted at lyndalinforth@gmail.com.
This video is about The Wellness Experience – Your First Visit With Dr. Randy Laurich. Video created by SharpShooter Marketing Group. Music: Avocado Street – Wes Hutchinson, Mysteries – Dan Lebowitz.
Flying For Hope, Changing Lives One Flight at a Time
By Krista Martinelli
Trisha hadn’t seen her Dad in many years. When she found out he was on his death bed in Arizona, she didn’t know how she would have the means to make the trip from Poughkeepsie, New York. She simply couldn’t afford it. Then she found out about Flying For Hope, an organization founded by Susan Worline. Flying For Hope provided her plane ticket. Tricia was able to spend one week with her father before he passed. She says, “I spent the best week of my life with my Dad.”
Flying For Hope raises funds and collects donated frequent flyer miles to pay for airfare and other expenses of those who need to visit a terminally ill family member or need to attend a funeral, or any type of crisis situation. Worline, who used to work for Hospice in the Chicago area, saw a need and created the nonprofit organization to help with those in need.
It all started in August of 2012 when her cousin posted on Facebook, asking if anyone needed a roundtrip airline ticket. Worline suggested he donate it to Hospice. Because of this, a 21-year-old girl was able to fly from New York City to Seattle to see her grandmother before she passed away. “Based on this, I got the idea to start my own charity. I was so excited about it that I was up until 4am doing research. The name Flying For Hope came to me and it stuck,” says Worline.
How does Flying For Hope get donations?
According to Worline, usually the donations come in from their website. People can also contribute their frequent flyer miles through an airline voucher or convert their credit card points into cash. Another way to give to Flying For Hope is through Amazon Smile. “Each airline is different,” says Worline. “But this is the perfect way to donate, if you have extra airline miles and want them to go to a nonprofit organization.”
In another example of bringing people together, two sisters both had stage 4 breast cancer. They wanted to spend their last days together. One flew from Mobile, Alabama to San Francisco, thanks to Flying For Hope. They were grateful to spend their last days together in Hospice at home.
Save the Date for the “Love is in the Air” Events
The Flying For Hope charity golf scramble and gala attracts more attendees each year. In 2019, the “Love is in the Air” events will take place Valentine’s weekend. The charity golf scramble will be held on February 14th, 2019 at PGA National Resort & Spa. The Gala with a silent and live auction will be held Saturday, February 16th at PGA National in the Grand Ballroom. While this is the 6th annual event, it’s the first time Worline is holding it in Florida. It was previously in the Chicago area, where she lived previously. For those willing to be a sponsor, donate or provide a service or goods from a local business, see the contact information at the end of this article.
Mercedes Benz is sponsoring a hole-in-one contest on the golf scramble day. Someone who gets a hole-in-one will receive a Mercedes Benz! There will also be a contest for the longest drive, and the winner will receive a trip. On Friday, February 15th from 1-3, PGA is holding a Fitness & Beauty tour with celebrity sisters Amy & Jo Jo McCarthy to provide support to Flying For Hope. Amy & Jo Jo McCarthy are the sisters of Jenny McCarthy and cousins of Melissa McCarthy. They will provide expert beauty and fitness tips to the public. Meanwhile, those attending the gala are invited to a day of beauty with celebrity make-up artist Jo Jo McCarthy (8:30 to 4:30pm) on Saturday, February 16th.. She’s done make-up for “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and several other popular shows. Space is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information please visit https://flying4hope.com/.
The gala will consist of a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing, and an open bar. With New York Metropolitan Opera singer Lucia Wehr singing the blessing, auctioneer Jay Zeager leading the live auction, and Kenny Mondo Productions providing entertainment & the DJ, the gala will be a lively event. The gala’s title sponsor this year is CBD Medical, based out of Lexington, KY (cbdhempmeds.net & 1meanbean.com). Some of the platinum sponsors thus far are TreSkinRx, The Giving Tree, Motiv8mbn, & Make-Up by Jo Jo. The event will be filled with special bonuses and celebrity guests. LaCosta Jewelry will also be displaying and selling their jewelry during the cocktail hour. Tickets to the “Love is in the Air” Gala are $175 before 12/15/18.
Getting the Word Out
Susan Worline is an excellent networker. She has her own networking group, the LMM group, who meet locally once a month. “When I was new to the area (about 18 months ago), I introduced myself to all of the local businesses,” says Worline. When someone makes a donation to Flying For Hope, she makes a point of thanking the person in person and shaking their hand. She’s also a member of a women’s chamber and the North Palm Beach County Chamber. The Flying For Hope events are included in the Notables section of the Palm Beach Post. Although it’s a challenge moving a gala from Chicago to Palm Beach Gardens, she is good at getting the word out.
Flying High
Flying For Hope has provided over 200 flights to people in need to date and has helped over 400 people. Thanks to social media, videos, emails and an active board of directors, people are getting to know the name Flying For Hope. They are also offering a car wash on October 20th in the Wendy’s parking lot at Hypoluxo & Jog Rd. Worline uses the help of Park Vista High School students, who can get their community service hours by volunteering for Flying For Hope.
I asked Worline about her biggest challenge as a nonprofit organization. According to Worline, the need is far greater than their ability to provide the plane tickets. The American Cancer Society refers people to Flying For Hope several times per day. They also get referrals from Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Worline appeared on Steve Harvey’s show in 2014, which created a buzz about Flying For Hope. As the word continues to get out, Flying For Hope grows and attracts more donations. Just as you would expect from any nonprofit organization, Worline wishes she could help even more people in need.
When Flying For Hope is contacted by someone in need, Worline asks them to complete an application. She then researches the request before approving it. On some occasions, she has turned down applicants. “There’s definitely a vetting process,” explains Worline. On one occasion, she even helped the authorities track down a woman who was wanted by the FBI. Needless to say, she does good research with each case.
Susan and Timothy Worline
Worline lives in Lake Worth, FL with her husband Timothy and three kids, who are 10, 14 and 20. The whole family plays a part in Flying For Hope, including Timothy serving as treasurer. It’s also a national organization with board members and an office in the Chicago area. Worline is an accomplished woman with the ability to speak 15 languages. She has published five books, one on languages titled “Lots of Languages” and four books on the subject of Real Estate.
In summary, Worline says, “You don’t realize the impact you have by taking that financial burden off of people when they are going through a crisis.” She is very grateful for all of those who have made donations. Currently, local businesses are invited to sponsor both the golf scramble and the gala. “There will be lots of recognition for our sponsors,” says Worline. She mentions that everyone’s business card will go into each gala attendee’s goody bag. Also, Flying For Hope is always looking for volunteers. “It’s a win/win situation,” says Worline. “Flying For Hope benefits from your donations and service while you receive the goodwill that comes as a result of your generosity.”
Heartworm disease or dirofilariasis is caused by worms causing heart and lung disease and is potentially fatal. The disease can affect dogs and cats. Dogs are the natural host for heartworms, however cats can also become infected and develop heartworm associated respiratory disease. Animals are infected with the disease most commonly through the mosquito’s bite.
PREVENTION is the best treatment! Preventive treatments include: oral medications, topical applications, and now bi- annual injections. Anzer Animal Hospital will customize a treatment plan best suited for you and your pet. As part of your pet’s annual physical examination it is recommended a blood test to monitor for exposure, and to ensure that preventive measures are working.
All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection, and this can usually be done during a routine visit for preventive care. Following are guidelines on testing and timing:
Puppies under 7 months of age can be started on heartworm prevention without a heartworm test (it takes at least 6 months for a dog to test positive after it has been infected), but should be tested 6 months after your initial visit, tested again 6 months later and yearly after that to ensure they are heartworm-free.
Adult dogs over 7 months of age and previously not on a preventive need to be tested prior to starting heartworm prevention. They, too, need to be tested 6 months and 12 months later and annually after that.
You need to consult your veterinarian, and immediately re-start your dog on monthly preventive—then retest your dog 6 months later. The reason for re-testing is that heartworms must be approximately 7 months old before the infection can be diagnosed.
Heartworm infection in cats is harder to detect than in dogs, because cats are much less likely than dogs to have adult heartworms. Because there is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, prevention is critical.
Signs of Heartworm disease
Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Without prompt surgical removal of the heartworm blockage, few dogs survive.
In cats, symptoms may include coughing, asthma-like attacks, periodic vomiting, lack of appetite, or weight loss. Occasionally an affected cat may have difficulty walking, experience fainting or seizures, or suffer from fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Unfortunately, the first sign in some cases is sudden collapse of the cat, or sudden death.
Senior Angie Lares Wins Harvard’s Outstanding Attorney Award as
The King’s Academy Mock Trial Team Trained at Harvard University
TKA’s Angie Lares
(West Palm Beach, FL) – The King’s Academy’s Mock Trial team recently traveled to Harvard University to attend the Angela R. Mathew High School Seminars Program presented by the University’s Mock Trial Association.
Students learned advanced skills on how to present a case from National and All-American members of the Harvard Mock Trial Association. The team of 8 participated in six lectures presented by Harvard Mock Trial students (The Opening, Direct Examination, Witness Preparation, Cross Examination, Making and Defending Against Objections, and the Closing). Between lectures, students worked with representatives from Harvard to prepare a case on comparative negligence. They had the opportunity to observe various demo rounds from National and All-American Mock Trial team members and toured historic Harvard Yard.
Upon the conclusion of the training sessions, students competed in a scrimmage round where TKA senior Angie Lares won the highest recognition of the round, the Outstanding Attorney Award.
“This was a high-level academic experience where our students were challenged to reason through complex case problems, think on their feet, and work as a team. The training we received from the Harvard Mock Trial Association will benefit our team as we prepare for competition at the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in February,” said Denise C. Brown, Esq., O’Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program Director.
TKA’s Mock Trial team is part of the newly named O’Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program in recognition of a $1 Million donation to endow its Pre-law program. The O’Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program creatively engages students in rigorous academic dialogue to develop critical thinking and communication skills. The King’s Academy piloted its Christian pre-law studies in 2016 and launched a full slate of classes in the 2017-18 school year. Currently, 130 students are enrolled in the O’Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program. Coursework includes Introduction to Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Business Law and Ethics, and Legal Advocacy Skills. In May, TKA will graduate its first group of seniors who have earned a pre-law designation on their diplomas.
For more information about The King’s Academy and scholarship opportunities provided through the O’Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program, contact Mrs. Amy Cuomo, Admissions Director, at 561-686-4244.
Pictures:
TKA Senior Angie Lares wins Outstanding Attorney Award at Harvard Training
Top Row Pace Edwards, Gavin Keen, Ben Peifer Bottom Row Callahan Burton, Angie Lares, Mikayla Parris, Amy Heaton, and Julia Lubitz
The King’s Academy is a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School for Excellence in Education. The private Christian school serves approximately 1,500 students from preschool through twelfth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Loxahatchee/Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, and Royal Palm Beach. More information about The King’s Academy is available online at http://www.TKA.net.
LA BOMBONERA located in SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, fed our married Dessert Reviewers called ‘THE SWEETHEARTS’, a consummately mouth-watering classic Coconut Flan. They also enjoyed an initial warmer upper so-called “Classic” Flan which didn’t hurt:) CLICK the link below to see what naughty yumminess they got up to:
After watching this short clip Please Subscribe to The Sweethearts (subscribe button at bottom right under their video on youtube) and if you have something nice to say, comment on youtube as well because Frannie and Dani are being considered for a TV show and their youtube following is a significant component in the decision, and of course should it move forward they will certainly push for local coverage so it’s a win-win for us all.
La Bombonnera
259 Viejo, Calle San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
We are pleased to have Real-Life married sweethearts Frannie and Dani, who are also Dessert Critics appropriately called ‘The Sweethearts’, add a little sweetness to Around Wellington with their playful, yummy weekly 3-5 minute dessert video reviews.
Their online dessert critiques have been transformed into a Reality Food Show/Sitcom called ‘SWEETHEARTS’, now in development with 2-A-Listers attached. More info viewable at https://www.franniesheridan.com/ Frannie and Dani can currently be seen in several TV commercials in which they play themselves as Dessert Critics for Aztil air conditioning.
As we approach the end of the year, the days get shorter while Wellington gets busier. November is when we give thanks for our health, families, jobs, and our Great Hometown. Please remember to “fall back” by setting your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 4th for the change to Daylight Savings.
During these months we can clearly see why Wellington is known as “The Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” As many of our seasonal friends return, join me in welcoming them and their four-legged friends. Please check out our equestrian venues for current and upcoming events schedules. With a busy season approaching, we hope you enjoy all the events and activities. This also brings increased traffic on the roads, so stay safe. Councilwoman Tanya Siskind shares important safety considerations in this Public Service Announcement: Share the Road.
Throughout this busy time and holiday season, stay involved in your community. Please make sure your voice is heard by participating in our Village’s decision-making process. Click here for a complete list of meetings and agendas or visit our website, and social media pages (Facebook: Village of Wellington and Twitter: @wellingtonflgov).
Wellington has a number of family-friendly events that you will not want to miss. On behalf of Council and staff, please join me at the following:
The next Family Fun Night on the Lakeside is scheduled for November 8th, and will feature a “Glow in the Park” theme. The event will be held in conjunction with Wellington’s weekly Thursday night Food Truck series at the Wellington Amphitheater. Save the date for our next Lakeside Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 15th. Visit our Lakeside Family Fun Events page for more details.
Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11th. Each year, the Village and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 honor all current and former members of the armed forces with a Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade begins at 8:15 a.m., commencing at Village Hall, located at 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard. The parade is followed by a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and South Shore Boulevard. Join me in showing our support for our returned troops and honor those in our community who have served our country.
If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, please accept our thanks for your service. We invite you to join us as we honor you and your fellow service men and women. You will have an opportunity to add your name to our roll call the morning of the event at the Wellington tent.
The holiday season officially begins early this November around Wellington, as we begin decorating all around the Village. Please save the date for our Annual Tree Lighting event on December 1st at the Wellington Amphitheater. For more information, please make sure to visit our website: www.wellingtonfl.gov, and follow us on Facebook: Village of Wellington and on Twitter: @wellingtonflgov.
The Village continues its tradition of helping families in need through the annual Hometown Holiday Food Drive. Please drop off donations by Friday, November 16 at Wellington’s Municipal Complex (12300 Forest Hill Boulevard), Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), Community Services Office (1092 Wellington Trace), Lake Wellington Professional Centre (12133 Ken Adams Way) Ultima Fitness, Schaefer Drugs, and all Palm Beach County Fire stations in Wellington. Non-perishable items such as instant mashed potatoes, packaged stuffing, and canned vegetables are appreciated.
The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. As we enjoy the fall season, our thoughts turn to cooler weather and the holidays. Keep things close to home during this festive time of year and enjoy shopping and dining with our local merchants.
As the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air, there is no better time to get the family outdoors to see movies at the Amphitheater, enjoy our weekly, Thursday food truck invasion, or go nature-spotting at one of our beautiful natural preserves. There are so many great programs and events happening around our Village. I encourage you to check them out on our community calendar.
With no shortage of family friendly fun around the Village, I am thankful to call Wellington home, and I look forward to seeing you around our Great Hometown this month.
The Path to Becoming an Adult (A Coming of Age Ceremony)
Most people go through that special time in every girl or boy’s life in which they go on the journey to become an adult. For example, in American culture we call this a Sweet 16, in Latin America it’s called a Quinceanera and in Judaism it’s called a Bat/Bar Mitzvah. A coming of age party can be religious or culturally based, but where did this idea of a coming of age party come from and how many other cultures celebrate this practice?
One of the earliest records of a coming of age ceremony traces backs to ancient Rome. In Ancient Rome, when a boy goes through puberty he is to shave off any sign of facial hair and swears himself to the protector of household. After that boys are to put on the ceremonial Toga Virilis (Toga of Manhood) and enroll into the military. For girls the transition from becoming a girl to a woman starts at marriage. Similar to males, the females would wear a ceremonial tunic called a Tunica Recta, which would be paired with a cingulum (belt), this represented fertility in her marriage. In 500 BC the Aztecs started the tradition of what we now call a quinceanera (sweet 15) and was taken by Spanish conquistadors and was introduced to Mexican culture. It is recorded that there are 28 coming of age parties or rituals still practiced around the world. There are surprisingly a lot of really interesting and unique ceremonies and rituals. Here are some still current coming of age ceremonies and rituals around the world.
· “GWANRYE/GYERYE” (KOREA)
Gwanrye is a Korean practice for men and women who are twenty and fifteen years old. It occurs on the third Monday of May. Men and Women are expected to put on traditional Korean attire, and they receive perfume, roses, and a kiss.
· “DEBUT” (PHILIPPINES)
When a girl turns 18 she picks 18 close friends and 18 family members who bring her eighteen presents. The celebrant invites 18 men who will bring her 18 roses.
· “RUMSPRINGA” (AMISH)
This tradition allows 16-year-olds to walk outside in the world on weekends. Rumspringa was created so that that they have a choice to continue to be Amish or join the outside world. Amish can be baptized until they are 26.
“Hamar cow jumping” (Ethiopia)
In Ethiopia, a coming of age ceremony is usually in the form of a bachelor party. The groom jumps naked over four adult bulls to symbolize transition into manhood.
“Bullet Ant Initiation” (Amazon)
When a boy had turned 13 in Sateré-Mawé tribe, he is to find bullet ants and weave them into gloves. After that he puts them on with the stingers from the ants facing towards his hand. This is a painful process and shows maturity and masculinity.
There seems to be a pattern of common themes when you look at all these different types of ceremonies and rituals, but why has humanity celebrated this idea that when one reaches the age of maturity he or she is awarded with milestone of maturity? According to Jennifer O’Donnell a writer from Very Well family, “The coming of age milestone is an important one, and can also be a difficult transition as some children are hesitant to leave childhood behind. Literature, the movies, and music often refer to the coming of age theme and the problems or challenges associated with the transition. There are many different ways to define the expression ‘of age.’ Confirmation of an individual as a responsible adult within a religious community, Puberty (or, in some cases, loss of virginity); Acquiring a legally significant age (in the United States, either 18 or 21) Experiencing a moment of epiphany in which childhood is set aside; Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s personal choices.” Personally, as a teen, I look and experience these practices with admiration. If you really think about it, a coming of age ceremony is an important part of one’s culture/ religion and we often celebrate these traditions for the sake of keeping them alive. Not only that, but the feeling of accomplishment and responsibility when reaching maturity is a special and personal experience that is celebrated by few.
A coming of age ceremony is not just a “party” – it’s a part of history, tradition, culture, and acceptance and it’s important that ceremonies and rituals like the ones previously mentioned aren’t misinterpreted. So whether it’s your birthday or maybe your voice is starting to crack, just remember it can’t be as bad as weaving ants into gloves and then wearing them.
