Giveaway
We invite everyone who comes to Firemaker to bring something that they value and let it go in the Giveaway ceremony. When we intentionally let go of items that we value, it fosters a generous spirit and allows us to experience the joy that comes from giving and sharing with others. When we receive items from the Giveaway, we accept them with care and a grateful heart.
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that First Nations giveaways, which encourage sharing and community-building, inspired us at Firemaker to create a giveaway tradition of our own.
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that First Nations giveaways, which encourage sharing and community-building, inspired us at Firemaker to create a giveaway tradition of our own.
How to Prepare
As you get ready for the gathering, consider what things you have that someone else might enjoy or need. These should be things you value, not just things that you might put in a garage sale. Be ready to release them and to take whatever might come to you. This is a time to experience and appreciate the giving and receiving that keep all things in balance.
Process
On Friday evening, we will bring our giveaways to the gathering spot and place them onto blankets laid out on the ground. At this time we will gather in a circle around the blankets and we ask that everyone refrain from chatting and talking. It is our intention to create a feeling of reverence and gratitude during this ceremony. As a group we will sing a song, then a few words will be spoken about the Giveaway, and then we simply allow everyone present to be guided to whatever items they will take.
Guidelines
Here are some of the protocols that guide our Giveaway:
- Give what you wish, take what you wish. There is no keeping score.
- You may wish to give something to a specific person. If so, it is appropriate to bring it to the Giveaway and present it to them quietly during the Giveaway.
- Younger children may need guidance about what they take and how they take it. It may be necessary to remind them of the need to be respectful of what they take and of other people. We often ask that the younger children be accompanied by an adult.
- Most items will be given and taken anonymously. However, if you give away something that needs explanation or has a story, it is appropriate to go to the person who takes it and speak to them.