The origin of the water sharing ceremony is from Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land. It also has some simularities to some Bedouin (and other desert dwelers) customs. The way some share Tea for example. It's been done in a number of different forms and here is another one just for the playa.
This water sharing ceremony is a very strong commitment between people which makes a person a "water brother" (it's not gender specific). The definition of a water brother is someone with whome you share all and will do anything for with out question. It is of course up to you how you take this, but know that the person you are doing it with may take it quite seriously.
This can be more than a friendship to some and is a good way to make a type of comitment to lasting relationship. It doesn't meen you have a traditional relationship with someone but it is a symbol of a deep closeness you share with someone. It's a good idea to discuss this with your future water brothers before undertaking it.
Sharing of water goes like so:
Have water handy
The first person takes a long drink of water and then repeats the words below (hopefuly understanding and meaning them in a deep way). With the words I give you the water of life you pass the water to the next person.
Who shares water, shares all.
With the water of life we grow ever closer.
I give you the water of life.Pass the water to the next person
May you always drink deep.
With water I welcome my brother.
May you never thirst.
If more than 2 people are involved then each person should do the above to every other person in the group
Congratulations you are now water brothers (it's gendr non-specific).
The 2nd part of a water sharing is to do something together with all your new water brother(s) that is bonding and memerable. This traditionaly was sexual activity but other forms of bonding do just as well, snuggling or a good long hug, sharing an evening at Burning Man or whatever you wish will do just fine.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me. mike@water-brother.com
