Spinny: Odd traditions or Rituals at Church

[CoilyFields]

The thread about putting money at the Pastors feet got me to thinking about other things that may happen in Chruch that may seem odd to others.

Looking from the outside in, are there things that occur at your church (past or present) or denomination that would seem odd, or that you've wondered why or where it came from? Have you found scriptures related to it?

My example would be "shouting".

Its been a "normal" part of my Church upbringing but someone unfamiliar with it would probebly be completely thrown by folks randomly jumping up and dancing really fast and crying/yelling all over the church...to a beat lol.
The scripture where David danced before God has always been the one referenced in relation to shouting (2 Sam 6). But I've also heard that it was an offshoot of voodoo and other pagan religions becoming "possessed" by their spirits during rituals and dancing. Sometimes I think that African American CHurches have picked it up as a habit and folks think that they are supposed to be randomly "possessed" (like they dont know what they are doing) by the HOly Ghost as opposed to making a rational decision to express your devotion/gratitude to God in the form of a dance. Far be it from me to try to judge someones authenticity in praise so I have tried to examine my own shouting experiences. Was i just caught up in the excitement of the moment? Was I just overwhelmed with emotions and since this is what I've been taught then thats what I did? I've tried to refrain from shouting and examine my motives...but so far I have not been able to pinpoint the trigger that makes me wanna move my feet lol.

Anyone else expreience other instances of traditions or rituals that would get a double-take or have seemingly no purpose in Church?

 

[crlsweetie912]

The church finger.....I know that it has it's roots from back in slavery times, but really, putting up that church finger does NOT make you look any less conspicuous when you walk ALL THE WAY from the front of the church to the door every Sunday in the middle of service!!!!

 

[CoilyFields]

@crlsweetie912

LOL! I've never heard where this came from. What was the reason during slavery times?

 

[crlsweetie912]

@crlsweetie912

LOL! I've never heard where this came from. What was the reason during slavery times?

From what I heard it was a signal that the slave had "permission" to be walking/leaving out of someplace....let me see if I can find it....

 

[crlsweetie912]

During the slavery days when the masters took their slaves with them to public gatherings, the slaves would always sit in the balcony. When the slave had to go to the bathroom or wanted to be excused for any reason, they would hold their hand up and keep it up until their master acknowledged that they saw their hand and gave them permission to leave or in other words "excused them to leave."

After the slave was given permission to leave, they would hold up one finger as they were leaving to inform anyone that saw them leave that they had been excused. So it means, "My Master has excused me."

This is where the "holding up of one finger while leaving the Sanctuary" carried over from. Which goes to show that you should investigate rituals before you follow them.

ETA there was a thread on this...

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=469012

 

[Laela]

C.O.G.I.C.

Blood songs
Any song that has to do with the Blood of Jesus was on heavy rotation in services... "I know it was the Blood (that saved me..)"; "The Blood of Jesus (what can wash away my sins..); "The Blood will never lose its Power", etc...

Praise Break
Crank up the piano and the drum.... let's roll (NOT to be confused with a moving of the Holy Spirit)...just dancing, clapping, shouting and praising. I love "happy time" in service...

Anointing Oil
Olive Oil, blessed by pastor or bishop and used for healing services or during prayer, baby dedication or any service that includes laying of hands

White gloves, white clothes, white doilies
Deacons wear them during communion; ushers also wear them -- as a symbol of servitude;
Everyone wore all white for Communion;
Young, unmarried women wear doilies to cover their heads in the sanctuary

Church hats and fans
BIG deal in COGIC, sistahs don't play with their hats and fans.. so much so for annual conventions you'll see them all in one place lol... first ladies, Mothers, deaconesses, ministers, missionaries, etc.

 

[auparavant]

During the slavery days when the masters took their slaves with them to public gatherings, the slaves would always sit in the balcony. When the slave had to go to the bathroom or wanted to be excused for any reason, they would hold their hand up and keep it up until their master acknowledged that they saw their hand and gave them permission to leave or in other words "excused them to leave."

After the slave was given permission to leave, they would hold up one finger as they were leaving to inform anyone that saw them leave that they had been excused. So it means, "My Master has excused me."

This is where the "holding up of one finger while leaving the Sanctuary" carried over from. Which goes to show that you should investigate rituals before you follow them.

ETA there was a thread on this...

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=469012

I'm getting feelings of anger about this piece of "history." Yuck!

 

[CoilyFields]

C.O.G.I.C.

Blood songs
Any song that has to do with the Blood of Jesus was on heavy rotation in services... "I know it was the Blood (that saved me..)"; "The Blood of Jesus (what can wash away my sins..); "The Blood will never lose its Power", etc...

Praise Break
Crank up the piano and the drum.... let's roll (NOT to be confused with a moving of the Holy Spirit)...just dancing, clapping, shouting and praising. I love "happy time" in service...

Anointing Oil
Olive Oil, blessed by pastor or bishop and used for healing services or during prayer, baby dedication or any service that includes laying of hands
Yup!!! I used to think it was some special oil in there but when I found out it was Olive oil...lol

White gloves, white clothes, white doilies
Deacons wear them during communion; ushers also wear them -- as a symbol of servitude;
Everyone wore all white for Communion;
Young, unmarried women wear doilies to cover their heads in the sanctuary
We did this at my church. Except not the doilies. It was like a SACRILIGE if you didn't have your white on!

Church hats and fans
BIG deal in COGIC, sistahs don't play with their hats and fans.. so much so for annual conventions you'll see them all in one place lol... first ladies, Mothers, deaconesses, ministers, missionaries, etc.

When I found out how EXPENSIVE those hats (and outfits) were I just about swooned! I used to love playing church with my grandma's hats though.

 

[Shimmie]

C.O.G.I.C.

Blood songs
Any song that has to do with the Blood of Jesus was on heavy rotation in services... "I know it was the Blood (that saved me..)"; "The Blood of Jesus (what can wash away my sins..); "The Blood will never lose its Power", etc...

Praise Break
Crank up the piano and the drum.... let's roll (NOT to be confused with a moving of the Holy Spirit)...just dancing, clapping, shouting and praising. I love "happy time" in service...

Anointing Oil
Olive Oil, blessed by pastor or bishop and used for healing services or during prayer, baby dedication or any service that includes laying of hands

White gloves, white clothes, white doilies
Deacons wear them during communion; ushers also wear them -- as a symbol of servitude;
Everyone wore all white for Communion;
Young, unmarried women wear doilies to cover their heads in the sanctuary

Church hats and fans
BIG deal in COGIC, sistahs don't play with their hats and fans.. so much so for annual conventions you'll see them all in one place lol... first ladies, Mothers, deaconesses, ministers, missionaries, etc.

Oh my Goodness... these pictures are true to Life.

Adding: The lap covers for the women in the front row and the covers that are thrown over the women who 'fall out' in the prayer lines and the 'Sisters' come running to cover them from their waist down.

For the record......... I've never needed one I do keep a large scarf or shawl to throw over my legs

I'm sorry.... I just caught a visual of me sitting in Church with my legs covered with this beautiful knit fringe shawl; covering me all the way down to my ankles. I'm sitting there in Service with my Bible in my lap, as if it's nothing, just sitting and listening, taking notes, nodding 'Amen' (I'm quiet in Church....very quiet)...

Oh well.

 

[JudithO]

Lol Shimmie arent you catholic? What part of mass are you covering your thighs and legs and nodding and saying amen? Lol

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

I think that we are so close in location that many of our churches have adopted some of the black American 'church' culture/habits...


no fingers up at my church expect this one particular sister, now I'm gonna explain to her where that gesture came from...

many churches here do the hats big time (I think black people in general like to dress up and look good) in fact there is a baptist day march that all baptist look foward to annually that showcase these outragious hats, many like it because of the fashion but I think it's such a waste and the purpose of the march has been long lost, it's become a fashion show...(if I find some pics I'll post them)


I'd like to ask why do black Americans say 'umble' and not humble...

and 'ON' tomorrow or 'ON' this morning or ON tonight

Why do black American pastors wear catholic priest attire or garb, who made that popular

 

[BrandNew]

and 'ON' tomorrow or 'ON' this morning or ON tonight

^^ Church is the only place I hear people say "on today" "on tomorrow". It irks me every time! Not to mention "mand of God" Ugh!

 

[Shimmie]

Lol Shimmie arent you catholic? What part of mass are you covering your thighs and legs and nodding and saying amen? Lol

judy4all ....



I didn't tell you all that I'm also wearing a lonnngggggg skirt or dress which is past my ankles when I sit down.

But my shawls and large scarves are so pretty.... All you see are my shoes from the arch of my foot to my toes and every once in a while during service, I'll rotate my ankles if I've been sitting too long.

When I posted above, a glimpse of me just flashed in my mind of how I sit in Church. I'm a 'trip'...

My Dad and his parents were Catholic, My Mom was Baptist, I grew up attending both services depending on my parents. As an adult, I became non-denominational, yet I respect and have fond memories of how my parents worshipped God. They were grounded in the Lord.

 

[Shimmie]

I love this picture. This baby girl is adorable. Look how nice her mommie fixed her hair. It looks like she had her 'Dedication Ceremony'. I see this in Churches a lot. Precious.

 

[Shimmie]

^^ Church is the only place I hear people say "on today" "on tomorrow". It irks me every time! Not to mention "mand of God" Ugh!

On this Friday morning....






I couldn't resist...

 

[Laela]

You raise a good point... despite the numerous denominations, even some non-denominational churches in "black culture" all seem to share some of the same traditions (i.e. priestly robes, hats etc.)
I look forward to the pix...

many churches here do the hats big time (I think black people in general like to dress up and look good) in fact there is a baptist day march that all baptist look foward to annually that showcase these outragious hats, many like it because of the fashion but I think it's such a waste and the purpose of the march has been long lost, it's become a fashion show...(if I find some pics I'll post them)
....

Why do black American pastors wear catholic priest attire or garb, who made that popular

Don't forget the folks who say "Jan-juary"

^^ Church is the only place I hear people say "on today" "on tomorrow". It irks me every time! Not to mention "mand of God" Ugh!

On this Friday morning....






I couldn't resist...

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Don't forget the folks who say "Jan-juary"

You have gone too far....This brings back soo many memories.

How about testimony service...

"First giving honor to God, who is the head of my life. To the pastor, first lady, all the ministers, deacons, mothers, missionaries, saints & friends…”

 

[JudithO]

Oh my Goodness... these pictures are true to Life.

Adding: The lap covers for the women in the front row and the covers that are thrown over the women who 'fall out' in the prayer lines and the 'Sisters' come running to cover them from their waist down.

For the record......... I've never needed one I do keep a large scarf or shawl to throw over my legs

I'm sorry.... I just caught a visual of me sitting in Church with my legs covered with this beautiful knit fringe shawl; covering me all the way down to my ankles. I'm sitting there in Service with my Bible in my lap, as if it's nothing, just sitting and listening, taking notes, nodding 'Amen' (I'm quiet in Church....very quiet)...

Oh well.

Shimmie hehehehehe... Cool... Seen you a bit in some Catholic threads so assumed you were Catholic...

 

[Shimmie]

Shimmie hehehehehe... Cool... Seen you a bit in some Catholic threads so assumed you were Catholic...

I'm 'everywhere'...

 

[Shimmie]

Ladies...

How many of you 'here' wear hats to Church?

I'm not a 'hat' person. I've seen some very beautiful styles, though.

 

[GodsPromises]

Ladies...

How many of you 'here' wear hats to Church?

I'm not a 'hat' person. I've seen some very beautiful styles, though.

I love wearing hats to church I don't wear them alot but it's so nice when I do. My ex husband used to love for me to wear hats. In fact I am planning a hat program in August: 100 ladies in hat program with a hat parade.

 

[Shimmie]

I love wearing hats to church I don't wear them alot but it's so nice when I do. My ex husband used to love for me to wear hats. In fact I am planning a hat program in August: 100 ladies in hat program with a hat parade.

That sounds really nice and I mean this. I'd love to see the pictures of your event and to celebrate your 'special' hat.

Wishing you a wonderful and sucessful event. Churches need to have 'fun' events and this sounds like it's going to make a lot of women very happy.

 

[BrandNew]

I wore a hat once for a special service once but typically the older ladies wear hats at my church.

 

[MissMasala5]

Ladies...

How many of you 'here' wear hats to Church?

I'm not a 'hat' person. I've seen some very beautiful styles, though.

I just watched a documentary on Netflix about the history of black praise music. There were issues with the streaming video about 30 minutes in so I couldn't finish it but one point that stuck out was the mention that after slavery, most blacks had low-level blue collar jobs that required wearing uniforms and getting dirty. Church-going Sundays were the only days that people could wear their best finery, and in those days, your outfit was incomplete without a hat on your head. It was also stated that where those workdays made one feel like a nobody, at church, you were somebody.

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

I can't afford those hats.

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

Ladies...

How many of you 'here' wear hats to Church?

I'm not a 'hat' person. I've seen some very beautiful styles, though.

My mom wore hats and my aunt does too i may wear one at a special occasion and i will wear a fascinator every once in a while.

 

[Laela]

I grew up with Moms wearing alll kinda hats...every color, to match all her church clothes. Despite all that, I never had an affinity for hats, but I'd buy them for her. She's morphed her style now and covers her head with wraps (Nigerian style) most of the time, but still have some of her hats. I have a couple wraps and wear those on ocassions...but for the most part I don't wear hats. Love them, though... Some can take it to the extreme .. but for the most part, there's nothing more regal IMHO, than a well-dressed sitah at church with a gorgeous hat or head wrap!! Amein~

 

[Shimmie]

I just watched a documentary on Netflix about the history of black praise music. There were issues with the streaming video about 30 minutes in so I couldn't finish it but one point that stuck out was the mention that after slavery, most blacks had low-level blue collar jobs that required wearing uniforms and getting dirty.

Church-going Sundays were the only days that people could wear their best finery, and in those days, your outfit was incomplete without a hat on your head.

It was also stated that where those workdays made one feel like a nobody, at church, you were somebody.

I would love to see this documentary. It's true to life.

I remember wearing my 'Sunday Best' as a child. My mom started early in the morning with us (I have two younger sisters). We ate breakfast with our hair in curls and in our slips and undergarments. We didn't put our dresses on until 'after' we ate and brushed our teeth. We always wore Jergen's lotion, especially on our faces. I will never forget the 'Almond Cherry' fragrance. I actually love it. (Or Johnson's Baby Lotion and Baby Powder)

Then we sat very carefully on the sofa until Mommie was ready and we left the house spanking clean, crisp ironed dresses and socks to match. It mattered to our parents how we entered the house of God. We dressed to give Jesus our best. Church was always a place of importance.

ETA: My mom wore hats to Church all of her life. I just never picked up on it.

 

[CoilyFields]

I'll wear hats when I get on the Mother Board...

Ya'll know about the mother board dont you? lol

And was it just at my churches where the pulpit was like sacred ground so you couldnt go up there unless you were a pastor/minister?

And don't forget the Nurses Unit. Why do we have "Nurses" at church? Is it that dangerous? And none of these folks are really nurses. But they sure wear their white with the old school FLorence Nightinggale hat!

 

[Shimmie]

My mom wore hats and my aunt does too i may wear one at a special occasion and i will wear a fascinator every once in a while.

Okay Love ... forgive me. What's a 'fascinator'?

I have to admit that I see some really beautiful hats in the stores and on many of the ladies in several Churches. Especially during the Spring, you suddenly see a huge parade of colorful and designing hats.