New Year's Day was experienced in various ways on the Coast including a ceremony for people to remember those they have lost on the journey of life.
An oceanside gathering led by members of the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society (SCHS) began under cloudy skies in Sechelt.
"What we do here this afternoon is deeply sacred," Rev. Mark Lemon said to about 20 people. "Remember the light of those who have gone before us."
Grant Thompson, president for SCHS, said the non-profit group has been active in the community supporting people with life-threatening diseases and their friends and families since 1987.
He said the Light the Lights program began in 1992. People write names and thoughts on cards used to decorate trees which were located at Sun-ny-crest Mall in Gibsons and Trail Bay Centre in Sechelt during the month of December.
The bonfire ceremony began on New Year's Day in 1996 at Snickett Park and has become an annual event to bring people together who are grateful for the symbolic gesture to acknowledge lost loved ones and those who are experiencing recent losses.
"People really appreciate the gathering. It's a very potent, really strong gathering and sense of community," said Lemon.
The group participated in a memorial reading holding lit candles. They remembered lost friends, spouses, partners, children and elders. Some shed tears during the reading and then two volunteers started to add the memory cards to the fire burning on the beach.
"Invisibly present to us are our ancestors and generations yet unborn," Lemon said.
As others moved to the beach to help burn the cards, Christa Morrison played a sober and emotive violin piece. Then, as those gathered, some with arms around each other in support, the sun came out and there was some laughter.
The ceremony ended with hot beverages and conversation.
The SCHS will host a training session in early spring for anyone interested in working with the ill or bereaved. There are 14 people already lined up for the workshop and Thompson said there is room for more. Phone Diane Giles at 604-740-1360 for more information.
