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Foot Notes
Foot Notes
Art work by Leszek Forczek
Click the picture to see the rest of the series and to order prints
A Welcome to Paradise
A few years ago I visited Kauai, Hawaii and attended a "playshop" given by Suzanna Kennedy. Our experience began at the door, where according to Hawaiian tradition, we removed our shoes. As we each entered, Suzanna silently draped a flower lei around our neck and invited us into her warm embrace. Then we were wordlessly directed to a circular seating area.
The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful as Suzanna came to each one of us in turn. She placed a beautiful porcelain bowl on the floor, gently lifted our feet into the bowl and poured warm rose-scented water over them.
Suzanna washed our feet with an open heart and bathed our faces with eyes of love. As each of us received this gift, the feeling of love became palpable. I watched each person’s posture relax into this pure compassionate energy. Hearts opened, eyes misted and tears spilled gently down their cheeks.
And while this group was composed of mostly strangers, I felt a sense of connection and comfort with everyone in the room. Suzanna facilitated many graceful and memorable experiences, and initiated me to new levels of Spirituality through her
Sacred Union Program. I will always remember the foot washing ceremony. It reminds me of the power of both giving and receiving love.
Christian Traditions of Foot Washing
In the Book of John, we are told that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before the last supper. This washing of feet was a significant event. It was an expression of humility and love; a reversal of the status and position of honor. This was the master washing the feet of his followers. The washing of feet was something one did for oneself or it was done by a lowly slaves . His act of feet washing was a statement of the universal balancing power of love.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:14-15
Sikhism
To prepare for ceremony and prayer it is customary to provide wash basins at the door for washing hands and feet. The Gurdwara is entered barefooted, allowing the 72,000 nerve endings in the feet to receive energy unimpeded. read more
Islam
In the traditions of Islam the washing of hands, feet, elbows, ears, face and head - performed before praying, is a ritual of purification ordained by God.
Known as the ritual of ablution, the purification is with intention, and with honor to Allah. It's more than washing of feet for cleanliness sake, it is an expression of the sincerity of your heart.
The Ecuadorian Culture of the Cotacachi
The traditions of the Cotacachi people combine their aboriginal beliefs with Spanish and Catholic teachings. The Holy week of Easter is filled with liturgical rites, ceremonies and passion plays, including the washing of the feet. read more
Jewish Naming Ceremony
The washing of feet is a practice commonly included in the Jewish naming ceremony . Feet are washed as an ancient symbol of welcoming.
The Amish
Feet washing is a symbol of humility and part of the tradtions of the Amish, read more about the Amish
Highland Feet-Washing
"The eve of the Highland wedding-day is termed the feet-washing, when a party of the neighbors of the bride and bridegroom assemble at their respective houses. A
tub of water is brought in, in which the feet of the party are placed, and a small piece of silver or copper money dropped into the water" read more
