Copyright 2009 by Jaelle, ask before using or posting. Originally began as a poem, grew from there into ritual. May be used alone or as part of a larger, structured Samhain ritual. Actions (added after the poem was completed) are written in orange.
dearly beloved
today we are gathered
in celebration
and in sorrowful memory
of those who have gone before us.
this is the end
this is the shadow
this is the Doom
that comes to us all: death
as the leaf falls
as the light fades
as the breath leaves
so, too, will you pass
This is the Day of Mourning
And likewise the Day of Celebration
We mourn those who have
Gone before us
[ list names, dates, identities. For a smaller ritual you could say something like "Sarah May Keller, born 1946, died 1987. She was a wonderful mother, teacher, and an advocate for the blind."In a large ritual with lots of name you may want to reduce it to "Sarah May Keller, born 1946, died 1987, teacher." Or however you want. ]
Those whom have left us, we call you
From the field and the forest deep, we call you
From river and sea and shell and stone, we call you
From the warming embrace of the deepening grave, we call you
COME!
Be with us for a moment, an hour, a day
Let us speak to you with both joy and sorrow
For you are remembered, and loved
Eat from the plates we have lovingly prepared for you
Our souls brim with joy at the thought of you.
Let us remember.
[plates are brought out, dinner is set. The Dumb Supper can be eaten alongside or at a separate table.]
O Mother and Father
We bid you welcome at the
Festival of the Dead
Eat, drink, and be cheerful
Let us remember the starting place
Where we have come from
And to where we must return
Let us remember that
We are not alone in our grief
And that we are loved
We are thankful for this knowledge
We are thankful for this feast
We are thankful for Your Love
We are thankful for each other.
Join us in our celebration!
[ Commence feasting. During the feast share stories of those who have passed, supporting family members in their remembered. It falls on the community as a whole to keep an eye out for those for whom the passing is recent or still traumatic. Tissues may be a good accessory to have. The idea, though, is remembrance. ]
Those who have
Gone before us
We are reminded by your presence
That all that is born, must die
And all that is dead, must be reborn
And we are reminded also
That that which is loved, never dies.
We bid you fond farewell,
Lovers, ancestors, family, friends
And we bid you a safe and fast return
To the Heart of the Goddess:
We will greet you when we meet again.
This is the Day of Mourning
for those who have
Gone before us.
May they be loved, and remembered fondly.
This is the Day of Celebration
for those who now remain.
Go forth and be of good cheer.
Be blessed, and go in peace
And warm memory.
Farewell.
[depart, or continue on to rest of ritual.]
