User:Aisling Kelledia/Dumb supper

"Dumb Supper" refers to the modern feasting ritual of silently sharing a meal, at Samhain, sometimes called Halloween (Oct. 31st.), with the spirits of the beloved dead, who have recently passed away.

"Samhain Countdown: The Dumb Supper Sunday October 18, 2009 Why hold a Dumb Supper on Samhain? Well, it's traditionally known as the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. It's the night when we know for sure the dead will hear us speak, and maybe even speak back. It's a time of death and resurrection, of new beginnings and fond farewells." from: http://paganwiccan.about.com/b/2009/10/18/samhain-countdown-the-dumb-supper.htm written by Patti Wiggington.

During the mid-19th century in Celtic countries such as Ireland, various forms of this feast were held on All Saints Day ( Nov.2nd). " Prayers for their souls to rest in peace were said, and the living room was made ready for the visit with food, a bowl of spring water, and a candle - for each dead family member - on the table and a lit fire".("Chronicle of Celtic Folk Customs" by Brian Day)