Inbetween-times. What I call “liminal spaces.” We experience liminal space in small ways as well as large.
Let’s start with a definition: Liminal space is a transitional state, phase,or condition that may be physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It’s a place of uncertainty, where you’re on the precipice of something new but not quite there yet . . . . The word “liminal” comes from the Latin word limen, which means threshold. Liminal is often connected to rites of passage, thanks to the work of anthropologist ARnold van Gennep.
This is all coming into focus here because I am thinking of December this year as a liminal space.
December as Liminal Space?
What does this mean? Very simply, this time of year feels like a transitional time, with activities that honor memories and also celebrate occasions that point to the future. (The timing of these may be linked to an actual historical event, or to a date linked to season ((winter solstice), traditions (such as African), and of course, religious beliefs. Calendar dates (New Year’s Eve and Day), Odd, this convergence of endings and beginnings. Here in the U.S. we remember Pearl Harbor – an ending in some ways (of peace, of many lives, of a sense of safety) and a beginning of participation in war. Winter Solstice – a transitional time, ending the Fall Season and launching Winter. Hanukkah marks the re-dedication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in the in the 2nd century BC – a holy miracle. Christmas Day – historically, a celebration of holy birth (on a made-up day). The day after, December 26, the beginning (as of 1966) of a seven-day celebration of the richness of African roots, on Kwanzaa. And then there’s New Year’s Eve, which is also a celebration – of the Beginning of a Year. (We won’t get into the history of this calendar year system, or others.)
In this particular December, I’m also aware of this as the last full month before the change of national government in the USA, on January 20. An ending – and a beginning.
For each of us there may be other personal aspects of December’s liminality, possibly creating a state of uncertainty or disorientation, particularly when major life changes are anticipated.. Or feeling on the edge of exciting new beginnings.
Rites of Passage
This concept of Rites of Passage, comes from anthropological studies (in particular, van Gennep). This process of change in the life cycle involves some initial form of “separation” from an existing, familiar role – an inbetween “middle” phase of uncertainty, confusion, lack of belonging (liminality) – and finally, an experience of incorporation into a new role and context, bringing renewed stability.
These kinds of change are often recognized in modern life in familiar transitions: birth and baptism, coming of age (different ceremonies in different cultures), graduation, initiation, marriage, funerals. There are both secular and religious rites, and again, they may be rooted in particular cultures. I’m suggesting that the concept of liminality is relevant to all kinds of change experiences, without a ceremony or social recognition of shared rites of passage. Every time we are undergoing a significant experience of change in our lives, there may be a liminal phase
Liminal Space as an Invitation to Reflect and Envision
December is the final month of our year ( in the context of the contemporary Western calendar – not the only one!). It marks the transition to a new years, and therefore carries a transitional flavor. The “special days” that I named don’t really fall into a traditional definition of liminality, but their annual existence marks them as invitations to remember, to acknowledge change, and to envision or make commitments for the coming year.
What I am inviting is a recognition of the transitional feel of our December – a bridge to the new year. This in-between time invites us to reflect on the in-between days, the days between now and this day a year from now : what do we anticipate, what hopes and fears do we carry, what do we feel invited to explore, commit to, or contribute, how might we envision this day next year? Each “Special Day” in December invites a focus of attention …
. memory of war (and hope for peace),
‘ spiritual/religious contemplation and celebration, an invitation to bring more awareness and commitment to the coming year,
‘ attention given to the journey into Winter, and the challenges and new visions that might involve,
‘ reflection on our roots and identity and how we might honor those more deeply in the months ahead,
‘ the invitation to give with love and thoughtfulness – and to receive with an open heart,
‘ the profound gift of “new beginnings” in the New calendar year and – this is familiar to many – the hopes and commitments we choose.
Nothing new here – just a reminder and invitation…
May your December bring Deep Reflection and Powerful Vision….