My Own Version of Passover
For the past three years I've hosted by own version of Passover, the Jewish holiday. Growing up, my family was not strict about doing everything by the book, but they did encourage me and my sister to find a group of people or host our own ceremony. I created what is formally known as Chicken Run x Passover where I compare the Passover story to the story of Chicken Run as a way of reframing the story and being able to connect it to its relevance to today. I believe sillyness and seriousness go hand in hand and it has become an opportunity to be open and vulnerable with a group of friends.
Traditionally the ceremony should start with sorrow and end with joy, and its important for me to honor that. As Iwe begin, take a moment to reflect on the people I have lost over the past year, and all the people I wish could join us at the table. I've lost far too many friends to suicide, and it feels good to take a moment to remember and honor them, surrounded by those I love, and give them the chance to do the same.
Far too often we are caught up in a whirlwind of chaos in our lives, a nonstop drum that doesn't allow time for grief or reflection, we carry around under-prossessed emotions with us, unsure when we will have the time to look at them.
To provide a space where others can bring this to the forefront, can reflect, even just for a moment, and have time to honor what they have been carrying with them, feels like the least I can do.
Through all the silliness and giggles of the event and how ridiculous it truly is, there is an element of authenticity that always comes through, for those that we have lost don't have to only be remembered in sorrow and pain, they can also be remembered in joy and light. I always try to let the energy sit at its lowest point for a period of time, to give everyone the chance to slow down for a moment and think. From there, we take a deep breath together, and move onward together.
Love this