Issue # 119 - December 2024 | |
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OUR ANNUAL WINTER CONFERENCE!
Saturday Jan. 18 - ONLINE
The Symposium on
Death and Bereavement Studies
This year's theme:
Family Dynamics
at the Bedside and Beyond
See story below
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Multiple January Dates
Therapeutic Mindful Photography
Professional Training
with Dr. Jessica Thomas
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Feb. 20 - Portland, OR.
End-of-Life
and Bereavement Care Basics
for Facility Professionals
with Dr. Terri Daniel
Email for details
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March 28 - 30
Grief, Loss, and Transition
Doula Training
with Dr. Jamie Eaddy
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Winter Solstice Blessingsl
Each year in the December issue I include a brief description of winter solstice ceremonies and origins. As many of you know, although I identify as SBNR (Spiritual But Not Religious), I have formal training in theology and I'm a seminary professor, so religious history is an important area of interest and research for me.
As many of you probably don't know, there are two primary methods for studying religion; a "devotional" approach, as you might find in a church bible study group, and a "historical/critical" approach, where we explore sacred texts through the lens of culture, history, geography, language and other earthly perspectives. In this month's articles, I give you the gift of a scholarly Christmas, which I hope you'll appreciate and enjoy!
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Dr. Terri Daniel, CT, FFGT
Clinical Chaplaincy, End-of-Life Educator
Bereavement and Trauma Support
office@deathgriefandbelief.com
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NEWS, ARTICLES AND EDUCATION
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Honoring Winter Solstice:
Symbols Of Rebirth Across History and Cultures
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"Rebirth symbolizes renewal, regeneration, and new beginnings. Different cultures have various symbols for rebirth, each with its unique significance. For example, in Greek mythology, the Phoenix represents rebirth as it rises from its ashes. In Hinduism, the lotus flower symbolizes rebirth and spiritual awakening, while in ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle is a symbol of regeneration and transformation. These symbols reflect how different cultures honor and understand the concept of rebirth." READ MORE... | |
The Nativity: What Scholars and Historians Know | |
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"There are two stories of Jesus’ birth in the Bible. According to Matthew, Jesus' birth unfolds in Bethlehem. Mary, betrothed to Joseph, miraculously conceives Jesus through the Holy Spirit. After Jesus' birth, wise men from the East, guided by a star, visit Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The family then flees to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all young male children in Bethlehem and returns to Nazareth in Galilee after Herod's death.
In Luke's account, the nativity story begins with Mary and Joseph living in Nazareth. A decree from Emperor Augustus required everyone to register in their ancestral towns. As descendants of David, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for this census.
Jesus is born there in a humble setting, laid in a manger because there isn’t room in the inn. Nearby shepherds, informed of this event by angels, visit the baby Jesus.
...The subtle yet significant differences between Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts of the nativity story reflect the distinct communities and theological intentions behind each text." READ MORE...
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The Origins of Santa Claus | |
"The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best-known St. Nicholas stories is the time he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married." READ MORE... | |
How December 25 Became Christmas | |
"The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight... By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion." READ MORE... (for a detailed scholarly exploration, click HERE) | |
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WORKSHOPS, CLASSES
AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
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Our Winter 2025 Theme:
Family Dynamics at the Bedside and Beyond
. Physician-Assisted Death
. When Faith Fails in a Family
. Encountering Estrangement
. Death of a Child
. Death of a Parent
. Home Funerals
Six CE credit hours available for nurses,
social workers, counselors and more!
SYMPOSIUM PRESENTERS
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Kintsugi Grief Center is dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating the complexities of grief. We offer grief support groups that provide a safe, compassionate space for sharing and healing, and our educational workshops equip participants with tools and insights to better understand the grieving process and foster resilience. Additionally, we host community events designed to connect individuals, honor loved ones, and create a sense of belonging. Whether you are seeking group support, practical education, or opportunities to gather with others, our programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of grievers. Join us in creating a caring community where healing and connection thrive. For more information please visit us at https://www.kintsugigrief.com/ | |
Become a Newsletter Sponsor! | |
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