We often think of holidays as something ancient and unchanging, but every tradition has a beginning. Let’s peek into one possible origin story, found in the Book of Jubilees, a text that offers a unique perspective on biblical narratives.

Imagine Abraham, not just as a patriarch, but as a pioneer of celebration. The Book of Jubilees – considered scripture by some but not included in the standard Jewish or Christian Bibles – paints a picture of Abraham establishing a brand-new festival. This wasn't just any get-together; it was a carefully orchestrated act of devotion, full of symbolism and meaning.

The text details the offerings Abraham made: "seven rams, seven kids, seven sheep, and seven he-goats, and their fruit-offerings and their drink-offerings." A veritable Noah's Ark of sacrificial animals! And what did he do with all that? Well, "he burnt all the fat thereof on the altar, a chosen offering unto the Lord for a sweet smelling savour."

Now, we might find the idea of burning animal fat a little…unappealing today. But remember, in the ancient world, sacrifice was a primary way to communicate with the divine. It was about giving your best, your most valuable possessions, as a token of gratitude and devotion. The "sweet smelling savour" wasn't about pleasing God's nose, but about the intention behind the act.

And the fragrant substances? Oh, they are a whole other level of sensory experience. "And morning and evening he burnt fragrant substances, frankincense and galbanum, and stacte, and nard, and myrrh, and spice, and costum; all these seven he offered, crushed, mixed together in equal parts (and) pure." Imagine the aroma! A carefully crafted blend of exotic scents, filling the air, elevating the experience beyond the mundane. It was a multi-sensory experience!

But the celebration wasn't just about offerings and aromas. It was about community, too, albeit a very exclusive one. "And he celebrated this feast during seven days, rejoicing with all his heart and with all his soul, he and all those who were in his house; and there was no stranger with him, nor any that was uncircumcised." This detail tells us a lot about identity and belonging in Abraham's time. The celebration was for those within the covenant, a shared experience of faith and connection. No outsiders allowed.

Seven days of rejoicing! Can you imagine the energy, the commitment to celebration? It wasn't a fleeting moment, but a sustained immersion in joy and gratitude. This wasn't just a ritual; it was a way of life, a conscious choice to dedicate time and energy to expressing faith.

So, what can we take away from this glimpse into Abraham's festival? Perhaps it's a reminder that traditions, even the most ancient ones, have a starting point. They are born out of specific circumstances, beliefs, and desires. And maybe, just maybe, it's an invitation to think about the rituals and celebrations in our own lives. What do they mean to us? What values do they express? And how can we make them more meaningful, more authentic, more…fragrant?

What new traditions can we create that express our values?