International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day
Yesterday, 19 November was in fact International Men’s Day! Who would have known? Here in Rockhampton it didn’t rated a mention, not even a paragraph in the local paper. As a celebrant whose life revolves around ceremony and recognition of the important events in our lives, I find it rather distressing. To add to my disbelief is the fact that I am on the organising committee for International Women’s Day (8 March) and we are in the middle of organising some fantastic events to mark the occasion.
Are women more worthy of being celebrated then men? Why is a wedding so often referred to as “The Bride’s Day”? Why is it that most of the time I only see the mother when planning a naming ceremony? What is it that makes men less likely to participate fully in these kinds of ceremonies? I believe that as a society we need to have a look at some of these questions and find ways to involve men in the spiritual sides of our lives. Not just for them, but for their wives and children too.
It’s still not too late to mark the occasion, find a man you admire and is a positive role model and take the time to acknowledge them and their impact on you. Make them celebrate the occasion, have your own ceremony, start your own tradition. Just don’t let this chance go by! And to all the men out there – a belated Happy International Men’s Day!