The birth of a child calls for celebration. Ethical Culture provides welcoming ceremonies for the children of members and friends. The purpose of the ceremony is for family and friends to come together around this momentous event to share our joy and express our responsibility to the newborn and her/his future.
With the help of the Ethical leader parents organize the ceremony. It can take place at the Ethical Society in the presence of the entire community, in a home, a park or other venue. The format is improvised and usually very simple. The leader will set the tone, speaking of the joy, wonder, responsibility and need to create a human world for the child we are welcoming into the human community. Parents will speak, followed by those who wish to share their good wishes. Sometimes we recognize those special people who pledge to care for the child if the parents no longer are able. Music and poetry are often components of the welcoming ceremony.
The wedding ceremony reflects the humanistic values of Ethical Culture, and the joy and significance of the occasion. The focus is on the couple -- their values, commitments and styles -- and on the ideals of Ethical Culture as they pertain to marriage.