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Shela 2005 Celebration Archives!

What is Carichenda Shela?

Carichenda Shela is a festival which celebrates all that is good -- all that is good in cultures, people, nature, technology, and our lives in general.  Shela means "festival" in the Carichenda language.  It rhymes with gala and mela!  It begins in the fall, and is celebrated periodically throughout the entire fall and winter.
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How is the Shela celebrated?

The festival focuses on one thing to celebrate every 2 to 3 weeks throughout the fall and winter.  It is usually the celebration of a particular culture, but one may choose to celebrate family, pets, nature, or even the internet at any time throughout the season.  The thing to be celebrated changes every 2 or 3 weeks, so that by the end of the Shela, one has celebrated many fantastic things.  It is also quite educational!  Families that celebrate Carichenda Shela learn about all different cultures.  
   
On one day in each of the 2 to 3 week periods (called mre'atas) there is one day or evening devoted solely to the celebration of the chosen culture.  Foods representing the culture are served, music from the culture is played, and one decorates with pictures or other decorations from that culture.  Games may be played, and one learns some of the wisdom, sayings, and language of the particular culture.  At every Shela celebration you will find something turquoise, for that is the color of the Carichenda Shela itself.  But the celebrations are very much open to interpretation.  One may celebrate however one sees fit.  It is a time to appreciate something that you normally do not take notice of, and to explore a part of our world that we otherwise may neglect.

Who celebrates this festival?

Anyone can celebrate the festival.  And every family or individual who celebrates it can give it their own personal touch.  The festival was originally created to ease the "winter blues" that many people experience when the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.  The festival is celebrated at periodic times throughout this "down" time, and it brightens the spirit and adds a unique and special flavor to the whole season.  Instead of dreading the fall and winter seasons, one who celebrates Carichenda Shela anticipates it with great joy!  

Where is Carichenda?  Who are the Carichendans?

Carichenda is actually an imaginary land and the Carichendans are its imaginary inhabitants!  Carichenda is a lot like Shangri-La or Shambhala, a utopian place where there is peace and harmony.  The Carichendans are always seeking to learn wisdom and compassion, and they try to see the good in all that is around them.  This is why they are so appreciative of other cultures.  They are very tolerant of all peoples and appreciate the good things of every culture.  Their own culture is itself a conglomeration of all that is good in every other culture.  

Learn How to Pronounce Common Carichendan Words and Phrases