Honouring Old Age Ritual Celebration in Newar Culture and Medicine Wheel in Anishinaabe Culture: Exploring an Indigenous Cross-Cultural Aging Wellness as an Alternative Medicine and Healing Approach

Abstract

This article depicts a personal narrative and experience based on the observation and exposure of an ancient Newar tradition of honouring ageing and wellness in the native land of Nepal. Furthermore, this paper illuminates a shared pedagogy of holistic ageing-wellness physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally in both Newar and Anishinaabe cultures. In Newar culture, a ritualistic ceremony honours old age called "Bura Janko." It recognizes the foundation of intergenerational relationships that respect the spirituality and wisdom of the Elder. By examining the 5,000-year-old Bura Janko traditions in Nepal in conjunction with ancient Anishinaabe tradition Medicine Wheel teachings and ceremonies among First Nations Anishinaabe communities in Northern Ontario, we hope to highlight cross-cultural connections between the ancient Indigenous cultures' optimal ageing processes. Through cultural and spiritual-based ceremonies, the quality of life and active use of the wisdom of the Elders are enhanced to optimize the ageing timeframe. In turn, these culturally based celebrations contribute to the reduction of stigma and trauma associated with cognitive decline. It is the inactivity that may lead to loneliness and social isolation in Indigenous ageing populations. The Bura Janko celebrations preserve the ancient tradition of families and communities bonding by honouring ageing as a divine status phenomenon in contemporary Newar societies. There are five times that a Bura Janko ritual celebrates beyond the rites of passage in life. These are: 1) Bhima-Ratha-Rohan (to turn 77 years, seventh months, seventh days and seventh hours