“When a festival goes as it should, men receive something that it is not in human power to give.”
“In celebrating festivals festively, man passes beyond the barriers of this present life on earth.”
Josef Pieper, In Tune with the World: A Theory of Festivity
I think I must say it. Saturday was the happiest day of my life. My daughter got married, and family and friends came together at our home for the marriage festivity.
At first I was reticent even within my own head to judge this day my happiest. What about my own wedding day? I wondered. But then I realized: the joy of this day includes the joy of that day, and more. What about when my children were born? Again, this day includes those days, and more.
Here were my family of origin, and my wife and children, and other dear relatives and friends, and we found ourselves face to face with the most primordial of human realities: the immeasurable goodness of human life and love. It was as though things came into focus with a new clarity. In the presence of this reality, we found ourselves moving together, on a higher plane.
Never before had I so experienced the truth of Pieper’s words: “…man passes beyond the barriers of this present life on earth.” And indeed, I think that we received “something that is not in human power to give.”
The experience elicited an almost overwhelming sense of gratitude, and a sense of wonder at how reality can be so beautiful.
It will be my challenge now to go back to ‘normal’ day to day life. But then again, I think Pieper’s point is that how we live the normal days is precisely what makes a true festival possible. And then the festival gives us new insight and contact with the astounding reality that under-girds every day of our lives. So we can return to what is in fact never simply mundane, with a renewed, deepened sense of joy.
~ ~ ~
Josef Pieper (1904-1997) was a German philosopher in the tradition of Thomas Aquinas. Many of his works have been translated into English and are still in print, including Leisure the Basis of Culture, Happiness and Contemplation, A Theory of Festivity, and The Four Cardinal Virtues, to name a few.
Image: By Spiering Photography
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
When you approve of the match, it is such a day of overwhelming joy! Thank you for your beautiful description — it reminded me of one wonderful day with my own daughter. And that day’s groom has not disappointed.
Congratulations to all!
Inspiring tribute. Congrats.
Congratulations! May you see many happy returns of the day.
That was so beautiful, Dr. Cuddeback. Congratulations!!
Congratulations! God bless you all.
We were praying for y’all from our own corner of the world – thinking with joy of your joy, and toasting, that night, the bride and groom. What gifts God gives, each one including and surpassing the former, as you so truly felt and so perfectly expressed. Here was, as you say, the most primordial of human realities, and yet, as ever, He makes all things new. Congratulations to your lovely daughter (and her photographer who caught such beauty for you to share), her lucky groom, your wonderful wife, and you, dear John. It only gets better!
Congratulations! So beautifully expressed. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much to each of you for your kind wishes and congratulations. I feel very blessed.
Congratulations to all…and you know we want more pictures!
Congratulations Dr. Cuddeback, your wife, and your family . A very momentous occasion!
Thank you, Kirk!.
Congratulations on your daughter’s marriage!