For many people, religion is a central point in their lives. Whether Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or another faith, one thing that all religions have in common are faith milestones. Milestones are major events and turning points in life such as entering adulthood or getting married.
Where does the term come from? The ancient Romans. The Roman Empire built more than 53,000 miles of roads linking their empire, and every mile they would place a stone marker so travelers could judge how far they had travelled. Over time, “milestone” came to mean a marker of progress or achievements.
How Do You Celebrate a Significant Milestone?
Religious milestones vary from belief system to belief system, and – despite their amazing variety – one element is common to many of them: gathering in celebration of the event. A great example of this are marriage ceremonies and weddings.
- The traditional Jewish wedding (called a chatunah) usually starts in the afternoon and does not end until late at night, and is generally followed by seven days of celebration
- The traditional Muslim wedding is a series of 13 rituals performed over three days – one of which is the Walima, a lavish wedding banquet.
- Christian weddings have varied traditions due to the number of denominations, but they almost universally include a reception party after the ceremony.
There are many other religions out there, and just as many rituals and causes for celebration. One thing they all have in common is that the Skyline Princess makes a magnificent setting for such revelry.
How Do You Celebrate Children’s Spiritual Milestones?
Spiritual milestones aren’t just for adults. In most faiths there are many of them as adulthood approaches. From birth to entering adulthood, there are observances aplenty.
In the Jewish tradition, reaching adulthood is celebrated with the bar mitzvah for boys and the bat mitzvah for girls. While these ceremonies are performed in the synagogue, there is usually a party afterward – which can be held anywhere.
In the Catholic Church, there is the ceremony of Confirmation, which is said to “complete” baptism in dedicating the person to god. There is often a dinner or a party celebrating the event afterward. Similar to Confirmation is the Hindu Upanayana for boy children. Young boys receive a sacred thread, worn over the left shoulder, marking them as “twice-born.”
Let Us Host A Celebration That Your Guests Will Always Remember!
Whether it’s a wedding celebration, a bat mitzvah after party, or other milestone event, the Skyline Princess is the perfect venue. Our expert chefs and party planners will work with you to create a perfect event that cleaves closely to your faith’s traditions. Make this milestone even more memorable by holding it on a cruise as New York City or Long Island Sound’s most famous landmarks provide the perfect backdrop. Contact us today and let’s start planning!
