As I so often do, I am taking a look back before planning forward, As I do, I thought I would share how we celebrated the Assumption of Mary last year, since I think it could inspire some of your domestic church celebrations this year.
~1~
Enjoy "Assumption Waffles" as a Family Breakfast (or Breakfast-for-Dinner)
We have a long-standing tradition of enjoying waffle sundaes on the Assumption.
Flowers brought cheer to our table and, also, reminded us that today is a traditional day for the Blessing of the Herbs and Flowers.
A Madonna Rosary Holder focused us on Our Lady's image and also reminded us to pray the Rosary, or at least the Assumption decade.
A beautiful image of the Assumption offered us talking points in the way of a picture study and pages from A Year with God were read as well.
Blue and white candles, table decor, and food, all reminded us of Our Lady - the white for her purity and the blue for royalty, the heavens, and peace.
The waffle sundaes themselves with rich with symbolism:
Round brown GFCF waffles served as our "earth". These were topped with syrup for the "sweetness of our Lord" and blueberries for the heavens (and to remind us of traditional Assumption festivities honoring first fruits). Other toppings were: banana slices, ice cream, yogurt, and/or cashew nuts all reminiscent of the clouds so often depicted in images of the Assumption as well as of the purity of Mary and of God's love for us.
We all loved our breakfast - although one tired boy had trouble waking up for it as can be seen by his face in the photo - and will be repeating some semblance of it this year.
This year, however, we will be adding a bit of typology to our chat, since, each year, I try to add some new bit of symbolism, catechism, story, or artwork to our celebrations.
In Number 4:4-6. It says when the Ark was outside the Holy of Holies (when it was being transported) it was to be covered with a blue veil.
The Virgin Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant, often appears in blue to visionaries (as she did as Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Our Lady of Banneax and in so many more of apparitions of Our Lady.
In the Catechism is says, "Mary, in whom the Lord himself has just made his dwelling, is the daughter of Zion in person, the Ark of the Covenant, the place where the glory of God dwells. She is 'the dwelling of God [...] with men.'" (CCC# 2676)
The Virgin Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant, often appears in blue to visionaries (as she did as Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Our Lady of Banneax and in so many more of apparitions of Our Lady.
In the Catechism is says, "Mary, in whom the Lord himself has just made his dwelling, is the daughter of Zion in person, the Ark of the Covenant, the place where the glory of God dwells. She is 'the dwelling of God [...] with men.'" (CCC# 2676)
~2~
Go to Mass and Spend Heavenly Time Outdoors
My husband and I have long considered the beach of be a bit of "heaven on earth", so, after Mass in a nearby town, we took a short nature walk to the ocean and enjoyed a quick picnic lunch before he had to go off to work.
Of course, by the time we had been to noon Mass, walked out to the beach, and prayed grace, everyone was hungry and wanted to eat, so Daddy was being goofy during Mom's "capture the moment for my memory" photos.
Then, we were all too busy enjoying chips, hummus, and watermelon by the ocean to take more photos.
I also laughed, because our quick picnic lunch was packed more for convenience than for symbolism, yet the children noted symbolism:
Our 3-sided chips brought to mind the Holy Family, where Mary began her life as Mother of God and of the Holy Trinity, which she is now sees as Queen of Heaven.
Dipping our chips in hummus reminds us of how God continually comes down to earth for us - walking in the garden with Adam and Eve, coming in human form as Jesus, descending as the Holy Spirit...
And, fruit reminded us, again, of the traditional blessings made around the world today as well as of how when we say "yes" to God like Mary did, it brings fruit.
~3~
Gather for An Assumption Day Nature Walk, Blessing, "Tea", and Crafts
Shortly after we began, my daughter made a perfect find:
Wild blueberries for Our Lady's blue!
Then, while the girls kept on searching for wildflowers...
...building tiny bouquets...
Why?
In Old Testament times, grapes had a special place of honor and were considered the “first fruits”, so special services of thanksgiving were conducted by priests in the temple.
With the birth of Jesus, the dedication took on a new meaning: Jesus Christ was the first born—or the first fruit—of Mary and, as such, was offered to God in the temple. (Luke 2:25-30)
Since Mary is seen as the image of humanity fully obedient to God and ultimately sanctified by doing God’s will, as we remember her falling asleep in Christ and Assumption into heaven, we celebrate the blessing of grapes.
Then, we went back to my friend's house to pray the Blessing of the Herbs and Flowers.
As we prayed, we blessed her gardens with Holy Water.
Then, we went inside to make small Marian vases.
Once these were made, we each picked out wildflowers and places them in our vases as we prayed the Assumption decade of the rosary.
Finally, as a break from free play the yard and pool, we enjoyed our simple tea, with "Mary in the Heavens"...
...grapes, which are traditional on this day, as well as herbed tomato salad, because herbs are traditional, too...
...herb-infused waters (again, for the herb traditions of this day)....
...and plenty of blessed beauty smiles!
It was a lovely celebration!
More Ideas
We hope this look back at our observances of the Assumption of Mary inspire celebrations for you and yours this year!
If you'd like more inspiration, feel free to browse former sharing at:
If you'd like more inspiration, feel free to browse former sharing at:
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Celebrate the Assumption of Mary with Food, Fun, and Fellowship |
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Celebrate the Assumption of Mary through Fun and Food!
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Plan for An Assumption Day Playdate - A Round Up
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A Simple Assumption Celebration for the Sick |
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Our Assumption Day Tea – A Day Full of Moments of Grace |
Assumption of Mary: No Cake Nor Juice Boxes, Just Some Drama
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The Assumption of Mary: It’s the Process (and the Aim) Not the Product |
Mother Mary, pray for us.
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