Lifertuals

Lifertuals is a term that has emerged in recent years to describe a growing trend of personal, often secular, ceremonies and practices designed to mark significant life events or foster personal growth. Unlike traditional religious rituals, lifertuals are typically created by individuals or families to reflect their own values, beliefs, and experiences. These can range from celebrating a new job or a personal achievement to commemorating the end of a relationship or marking a period of personal transition.

The creation of lifertuals is often a response to a perceived lack of secular ways to acknowledge and process important life moments. They can provide a sense of closure, a formal recognition of change, or an opportunity for reflection and intention-setting. Common examples include self-naming ceremonies, personal "un-birthdays" to celebrate survival or a new beginning, or rituals for letting go of past burdens.

The appeal of lifertuals lies in their flexibility and personalization. Participants have the freedom to design every aspect, from the wording of affirmations to the specific actions or objects involved. This allows for a deeply meaningful and authentic experience. While some may find the idea of self-created rituals novel or even unconventional, the underlying impulse to mark milestones and find personal meaning is a universal human one, and lifertuals offer a contemporary avenue for fulfilling that need.