Today marks not only the Jewish High Holiday of Rosh HaShanah, but also the Greek New Year.
In the Jewish faith, Rosh HaShanah is a time of rebirth, blessing, and renewal for all of creation. To watch a short video about the spiritual meaning of Rosh HaShanah, click here. Not only is Rosh HaShanah seen as a New Year of the religious calendar - much like the First Sunday of Advent is within the Christian faith - it is also considered the birthday of all of nature! I am reminded of our own period of Advent and the upcoming (Oct. 4th!) Feast-day of Saint Francis of Assisi when I meditate on the meaning of Rosh HaShanah in my life.
The Greek New Year is also a time of rebirth and renewal. In the ancient Greek Faith (Hellenism), today is the day when Persephone leaves her mother, Demeter, and returns to the side of her husband, Hades, who lives in the Underworld. It was seen as a time of harvest, remebering, and getting ready for the coming winter. It was a time for families to gather together - not just the human members, but the goats, sheep, chickens, and other livestock as well. Once again, the Greek holiday - much like the Jewish one - can be found in this liturgical season's feast-days.
Resources to help you celebrate the birthday of Nature:
Dare to Dream - a short movie about the meaning and blessings of Rosh HaShanah.
US Conference of Catholic Bishops - Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good.
Catholic Education Resource Center's page on current environmental issues.
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