Last Saturday, I was asked to "Dot the eyes" on the new dragon boat at Streaky Bay.
I was concerned that there were no Christian prayers for this ceremony, so here is what I did.
I was concerned that there were no Christian prayers for this ceremony, so here is what I did.
Dragon boating comes from the Chinese fishing tradition of boats racing to retrieve the body of a revered poet, who had thrown himself into the river. The dragon head on the boat represents a superior creature to drive away the sea creatures who would try to eat the poet’s body. The blessing of a new dragon boat comes from the ancient Taoist religion, but is able to be adjusted to local cultural norms.
Prayer and spirituality are essential parts of any dragon boating event.
Before the day of racing begins, the Taoist monk begins by speaking to local spirits, to ask for a blessing on the day. So I began with the acknowledgment of Country.
‘I would like to acknowledge the Wirangi and Kukuta peoples who are the Traditional Custodians of this area and offer our respects to the Elders both past and present of those Nations. I also offer our respect to any other aboriginal person here today.”
The Christian Story
The Christian Tradition recognises the presence of the Holy Spirit of the Creator God…whom we read in Genesis 1 verse 2..moved over the waters from which all life was created. It was this Spirit who guided the life of Jesus of Nazareth, who regularly travelled in boats across unpredictable seas, and at whose command the wind and the waves were stilled.
It is to this Holy Spirit of the Creator God, that we call today to bless the new Streaky Bay Dragon Boat.
Dotting the Eyes
The first thing we need to do, is ‘awaken the dragon’ by ‘dotting the eyes’
Eyes are the windows to our souls…Eyes are often painted on boats – to help them and the fish to see each other; to scare away sharks and to help the boat find a way home should a storm come up.
Eyes bring life to the dragon boat, so as we ‘dot the eyes with red paint, we pray,
“Come Holy Spirit of light and life, you who were present at the time of the creation of all we know and see, awaken the spirit of adventure in this dragon boat, that she may see her way through waters and take her place in the excitement of the race. Amen”
As I dotted the eyes, the dragon boat drummer, drummed, to help awaken the dragon
The Blessing
As I came to bless the boat, I asked all the paddlers to bring their paddle and stand with one hand on the boat.
God, bless this dragon boat.
As she glides through the water may she be a blessing to the water and all marine life.
Jesus Christ, bless this dragon boat.
May all who journey in her have a spirit of joy awakened in them, be blessed with vigour and health,and know life in abundance.
Holy Spirit, bless this dragon boat.
As she is seen from afar, may a love and a care for the natural environment be awoken in the hearts and minds of all who watch.
Bless to us O God,
Father, Son & Holy Spirit,
this dragon boat, that all who share in her life might find themselves challenged, inspired and carried safely home. Amen.
