Celebration Day: A poetic tribute to lost loved ones, marking the first annual moment dedicated to commemorating family and friends who are no longer with us.
In 2022, high-profile figures including Stephen Fry, Prue Leith, film director Oliver Parker, and writer and poetry curator ‘Allie Esiri’ conceived an initiative to create a new annual moment dedicated to commemorating family and friends who are no longer with us.
A celebration day is a public holiday marked to commemorate a significant event, person, or achievement.
These days are often designated by governments to promote national unity, cultural heritage, or social awareness.
According to the United Nations, over 200 countries have declared at least one official holiday per year.
In the United States alone, there are over 10 federal holidays, including Independence Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Celebration days serve as a unifying force, bringing people together in shared joy and remembrance.
This year’s Celebration Day will take place on the last bank holiday Monday in May, and actors such as Toby Jones, Helena Bonham Carter, and Asa Butterfield will be performing poems in memory of their loved ones.
Celebration Day is inspired by celebrations like Mexico’s Day of the Dead, where families honor their deceased relatives with feasts, decorations, and stories. The first Celebration Day was held on June 26, 2022, and now it runs annually to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.
To mark this special day, actors from various backgrounds have come together to perform poems that evoke memories of loved ones who are no longer with them. Toby Jones, known for his roles in ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ and ‘Detectorists’, chose ‘Portrait of a Romantic’ by ASJ Tessimond in memory of his father, who died a year after Jones introduced him to the poem.
Helena Bonham Carter , on the other hand, performed ‘Don’t Let That Horse’ by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in memory of her grandmother, known as ‘Bubbles.’ Her grandmother was described as an ‘eternal child’ who always had a sense of play and never really grew older emotionally. Bonham Carter’s poem reflects on the importance of remembering to have fun despite life’s challenges.
Helena Bonham Carter is a British actress known for her eccentric and versatile performances.
Born on May 26, 1966, in Golders Green, London, she rose to fame with her breakout role in 'Lady Jane' (1986).
She has since appeared in numerous films, including 'Howards End,' 'The Wings of the Dove,' and 'Big Fish.' Carter's collaborations with director Tim Burton have been particularly notable, starring in 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,' 'Alice in Wonderland,' and 'Dark Shadows.' Her unique style and dedication to her craft have earned her a dedicated fan base.
Stephen Mangan, Nathaniel Parker, and Susan Wokoma were also filmed reading poems at Abbey Road studios in London. The videos will be published exclusively on the Guardian website before Celebration Day. The actors worked with ‘Allie Esiri’ , who compiled ‘365 Poems for Life’ and ‘A Poem for Every Day of the Year’, to choose their poems.
Esiri notes that poetry often helps us express feelings that are difficult to put into words, particularly during times of grief. She describes the language of poetry as a ‘path’ that can guide us through our suffering, providing solace and comfort when we need it most.
Poetry is an ancient form of literature that dates back to civilizations such as ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
The earliest known forms of poetry were epic poems, which told stories of heroes and gods.
In ancient Greece, poets like Homer wrote the epic poems 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey'.
Poetry was also used for lyrical purposes, with poets expressing emotions and thoughts through verse.
Celebration Day is not just about mourning the loss of loved ones; it’s also an opportunity for them to live on in our hearts and memories. As Asa Butterfield says, ‘Lost loved ones remain part of our fabric, our internal world.’ The project aims to provide a space for people to share their memories and stories with others, creating a sense of community and connection.
To mark this special day, star pin badges will be on sale at WH Smith stores until June 27, with proceeds going to charities such as Mind, the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Make-A-Wish, and Hospice UK. The public is encouraged to share their own memories of loved ones on social media using the hashtag #ShareYourStar.
Many people reach for poetry during times of great significance in life, such as weddings and funerals. But what happens when we lose someone close to us? Poetry can provide a sense of comfort and solace, helping us express feelings that are difficult to put into words.
As ‘Allie Esiri’ says, ‘The great poet gives you words, and it’s sort of like holding your hand across time.’ This quote captures the essence of how poetry can help us navigate our grief and find meaning in our loss.
Celebration Day is a unique opportunity for people to come together and share their memories of loved ones who have passed away. The project aims to create a sense of community and connection, providing a space for people to express themselves and honor those who are no longer with them.
By sharing our stories and poems, we can keep the memory of our loved ones alive and celebrate their lives in a meaningful way. As Toby Jones says, ‘We need permission to stop – a day in which we can invoke them and remember them, and let them live again through us.’ This sentiment captures the essence of Celebration Day, a moment to cherish and honor those who have left an indelible mark on our lives.
You can get involved by sharing your own memories of loved ones on social media using the hashtag #ShareYourStar. Star pin badges will also be available for sale at WH Smith stores until June 27, with proceeds going to charities such as Mind, the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Make-A-Wish, and Hospice UK.
By participating in Celebration Day, you can help create a sense of community and connection among those who have lost loved ones. Let’s come together to celebrate the lives of those who have touched our hearts and made a lasting impact on our lives.
