The Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead — Oct. 29, 2017

The Festival of the Dead/The Salem Witches have quite a few events going on this October. Be sure to check out The Salem Witches’ Magic Circle, The Mourning Tea, The Annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo, and The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball. Next up from them is The Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead on October 29th.

For those who are unfamiliar with what a dumb supper is, I have used the explanation from thoughtco:

“In some Pagan traditions, it has become popular to hold a Dumb Supper in honor of the dead. In this case, the word “dumb” refers to being silent. The origins of this tradition have been fairly well debated — some claim it goes back to ancient cultures, others believe it’s a relatively new idea. Regardless, it’s one that’s observed by many people around the world.
Set a place at the table for each guest, and reserve the head of the table for the place of the Spirits. Although it’s nice to have a place setting for each individual you wish to honor, sometimes it’s just not feasible. Instead, use a tealight candle at the Spirit setting to represent each of the deceased.”

According to Festival of the Dead’s website:

“Join the Salem Witches as we honor the dead with a dinner observed in utter silence. Salem Warlocks Christian Day and Brian Cain invite you to a banquet of sumptuous cuisine where the only sound heard is music chosen in memory of the departed. Bring photos and mementos to summon the souls of your loved ones on the other side as you partake in the most solemn of all the ceremonies of Witchcraft. The Dumb Supper is an ancient tradition where the dead attend the living for a magical night of communion!

The evening opens with a blessing where each attendee is guided through the veil between the worlds to the realms of the dead where no one living may speak. Participants place their photos and mementos on an elaborate altar, at which time they are then seated and the feast is served.

Each year, the spirits have manifested in a variety of ways. Guests have recalled a ghostly touch, the scent of perfume, whispered messages, and even physical manifestations. This is a solemn event where respect for the dead is crucial. By remaining silent, you open your heart and mind to those who have crossed over.

Menu for the Evening

In keeping with tradition, the courses of The Dumb Supper are served backwards and the placement of everything down to the silverware is reversed as a means of weaving participants into the shadowy world of spirit. This menu is subject to change.

Dessert – Apple Blossom with Caramel Sauce

Coffee – Freshly Brewed Coffee, Tea or Decaffeinated Coffee

Entree – Seared All-Natural Free-Bird Chicken Breast with Seasonal Fruit Salsa (Spring Berries, Summer Stone Fruit, Fall Apples and Pears, Winter Dried Fruits) served with grilled vegetables and Mashed Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Real Maple Syrup

Soup – Apple and Roasted Pumpkin Bisque with Cinnamon Mascarpone Swirl

Salad – San Francisco Salad featuring Hearts of Romaine Lettuce with Green Goddess Dressing and Bagel Croutons

Appetizer – Wild Mushroom Triangoli pasta in a Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce

Dinner Rolls – Fresh Rolls with Butter

Food has been offered to the dead throughout history, from prehistoric man through to the Celts, Egyptians, Romans, Japanese, Chinese, and even in the Catholic church. Dining with the dead is an ancient tradition that honors our divine ancestors regardless of culture or creed. Whether you’re a Witch or simply wish to embrace your loved ones on the other side, we invite you to take part in this most sacred event.

The Rules for the Evening

This is among the most sacred events that any Witch holds and we take it very seriously. Before you purchase your tickets, you must agree to abide by our rules:

Event Begins At 6:30 Sharp. Latecomers Will Not Be Admitted

This event is about honoring the dead and inviting them to visit us in spirit form. To arrive late once the ritual of blessing has already commenced is to disrespect both the dead and the living who have come to connect with them. If you do not arrive on time, you will neither be admitted nor refunded so plan accordingly.

No One May Speak During The Dinner

This  event is silent. This silence not only allows people to grieve their dead but creates a portal for the spirits to come through. Those who speak or write notes within the dining area will be silently ushered to leave without refund.

Cell Phones Must Be Turned Off During The Dinner

There shall be no phones in use in the dining room. Those texting or using their cell phones will be silently ushered to leave without refund.

No Photography During The Dinner

There shall be no photos taken in the dining room. Those who do so will be silently ushered to leave without refund.

*Special requirements such as vegetarian or allergies, please email us. We can only accommodate these needs if we know in advance as this is a silent event.”

Tickets are available here and are $95/each. This event takes place on Oct. 29th from 6:30-9:30 at The Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West Salem, MA 01970.
Enjoy!! <3

 

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