By Miss Bouvèé

The thought of a new year is like attending your friend’s wedding. It makes you wonder, “what would I do differently” or “when I get married, I will . . . ”. Most people start the new year with a resolution. But I wanted to encourage you, dear readers, to think of the new year as more of a spiritual rebirth. 

In Caribbean cultures, and in fact many cultures around the world, the new year is brought in by things like Mardi Gras and Carnival. They celebrate with dances, parties, and a ceremonial dance down the line as others hold their hands up to mimic the birth canal. It is, after all, a rebirth. Fireworks came as a celebration and to mimic the “release” of the old. The gathering of groups was and is meant to celebrate community and renew our sense of humanity and kindness. The one thing we all share and can never get back, is time. Of course, in New Orleans we celebrate Mardi Gras. That time of year begins for them on 12th night, or January 7th and spans until “Fat Tuesday”. It’s a long period of celebration, rebirth, eating decadently and yes, partying. The lesson here is, don’t think of the new year as one day; it is one of many seasons in the year’s time period.

I turned 40 this year and for me that meant many things personally. I made the decision to not carry things for long periods of time, to do more than let go but address things and deal with them, rather than allowing grudges or stress to fester. I would encourage you to think of the new year as both a shedding and a rebirth. 

There is an ancient rune called Berkano (looks like a B); its meaning is rebirth. Its translation teaches about trimming dead tree limbs and allowing bad leaves to fall. Its presence promotes rebirth and renewal, renewal of energy and ideas, a fertility if you will. I think a new year is just that, fertile. Ready for you to plant seeds of goals, plans, thoughts that have an entire year ahead to manifest. Heck, even in King Cake (served at Mardi Gras), we hide . . .  A BABY! 

In closing, I encourage you to take time to not only look ahead but to look back and allow for the bad things to fall away. Pruning can cause regrowth after all. Think of this time of year as an ending and a new beginning. What can you get rid of that will help you make room for the new? 

Happy holidays everyone, and Happy New Year.