Divorce is normally a sad occasion, but more and more ex wives and ex husbands are considering a divorce ceremony. Sometimes called a divorce party, these rituals can be life changing for those who want to move forward emotionally after a difficult split.
Of course, it is most important to hire a qualified family law lawyer for the best possible legal outcome, but a divorce party can help you “close the door” on your relationship in a positive way.
In Japan, divorce ceremonies are a cultural phenomenon. Unhappy couples come together in a public ceremony to mark the end of their relationship. They invite friends and family to dress up, enjoy a buffet meal and then end the marriage by crushing their wedding rings together with a heavy gavel.
While such a formal ceremony may not be your thing, are you thinking about ending your relationship in a meaningful way? If so, here’s some divorce ceremony ideas:
Some find it helpful to plan a private divorce ceremony ahead of time so they can perform it immediately upon receiving the final divorce certificate. Women who have changed their surname, for example, can safely burn a piece of paper with their married name on written on it. Or, some shred or tear up their marriage license or coupledom mementos ritually so emotions can be released and resolved.
Some need friends and family around them for support and find that a full-blown divorce party with specialty cocktails and catered food is the best way to “celebrate” the end of their marriage and the beginning of their new single life.
Some amicably-divorcing couples create a ceremony together in which they honor their relationship, forgive each other, heal broken hearts and wish each other well with a heartfelt poem, song or letter.
Rituals of any kind are about transformation. And as divorce is an important rite of passage in anyone’s life, a divorce ceremony can be both healing and empowering.
