Rescheduled: “Just Rituals” - A History of Sacred Foot Washing

Just Rituals or “Justice Rituals” is about rituals at the intersection of justice. Foot washing holds sacred significance in various cultural and religious contexts around the world. It symbolizes humility, service, purification, and spiritual renewal. In Hindu culture, the tradition of Charanamrita involves the washing of feet. It is a common practice to wash the feet of revered spiritual leaders, gurus, or elders as a sign of respect and devotion. Within Sufi Islam, the mystical branch of Islam, foot washing may be practiced symbolically as a form of spiritual purification and humility. In African traditional religions, foot washing is part of spiritual or healing rituals conducted by traditional healers or spiritual leaders. In Christianity, foot washing is a symbolic ritual observed by some Christian denominations, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. In Islam, ritual washing (ablution or wudu) is performed before prayer as a form of purification. This journey of Just Rituals engages participants across these diverse traditions on a journey that immerses us in sacred foot washing as a powerful symbol of humility, service, purification, and spiritual connection.

Facilitator: Sevonna Brown