The Blessing Way
The Blessing Way ceremony is inspired from ancient customs and traditions that embrace the spirituality of motherhood and the collective power of community support. It does takes a village to raise a child and the friends and 
family gathered for a shower are the symbolic measure of the mother's community. The symbolic gestures of love and support in this ceremony give the mother-to-be strength to face the birth ahead of her.
The ceremony begins by gathering around the mom-to-be. All are focused on her as the ceremony commences. One person will weave flowers into her hair or place a floral wreath on her head. Another creates a necklace with beads everyone has brought. Everyone can participate by massaging her feet in a foot bath and giving a wish and loving words of encouragement during the candlelight segment.
A "food train" list is made for any volunteers to bring a dinner to the family after the child is born. Dads love this as much as mom and it is a great excuse to see the baby.
The ceremony ends with a beautiful poetry reading. Everyone will come away with gratitude and joy for being involved in this intimate and unique celebration. The ceremony can be held inside or outside and is great for a co-ed shower, too.