A Samhain tradition, the Dumb Supper is wonderful way to honor you dead loved ones. Some of their favorite foods are cooked with love and served to the to the family. The dearly departed are given a plate of food to share in it's life giving essence. If there is room, each of the dead family members can have their own serving of food. I don't have the room so share they must. you are to eat the dinner in silence but I find that rather boring. I would rather talk and sharing stories of the ones I love. Laughter is the best medicine so story of grand adventures with those that have passed are the best to tell.
Stephanie Woodfield, in Celtic Lore and Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess, explains that the Dumb Supper can be given at any time. The loved ones birthday or the anniversary of their death are wonderful time to share this blessed meal. I like this idea and will be sure to partake in its goodness. I think it would be fun to have special Dumb Supper for any famous people that have passed and you have a fondness for. this would make an awesome party where the guests could dress in character.
However you hold your Dumb Supper, whether in silence or in laughter, I hope it is an experience that is both joyful and moving.
Samhain Blessings, V.
image found here.
I really like this idea and agree it should be filled with laughter and good memories. Is this only done at this time of year? And I'm curious as to why they call it the Dumb Supper???
ReplyDeleteHi Elle
ReplyDeleteI say it can be done anytime you feel the need to be close to those who have passed on.
I believe it is called "dumb" because of the silence it to be eaten in. The term deaf and dumb comes to mind(not one that I like).
I've never heard of the Dumb Supper before, but it sounds like a great idea. Thanks, Vivienne.
ReplyDeleteHi Scared
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I hope it becomes a tradition in your home.
What a great idea. I had never heard of it so thanks for posting. That picture is great. I would love to have a meal with the spirits there.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with the Dumb Supper idea, but it sounds like a thoughtful way to honor lost loved ones. That photo is beautiful! It looks like someone has really set a mood.
ReplyDeleteHi wicKED
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful feeling to share a meal with the spirits of loved ones. The telling of stories is fun both children and adults. It keeps their memory alive.
Hi Justine
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a table set like the one in the photo. I could imagine my spirit family sitting there alongside my family.
What a great idea! But I agree, I think talking about things that they did adds to the supper.
ReplyDeleteI was already familiar with the idea of dumb supper, but never heard the name before. Like the idea though.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of guests coming costumed as their favorite famous person who is no longer living.
ReplyDeleteHi Vivienne ~ Well, this one goes into my "you learn something new everyday" file. Like you, I enjoy the idea of laughing and sharing memories, rather than sitting in a heavy silence. I'm sure to those who have done this in a tradition of silence would be horrified by that notion. But each his own. It's really an interesting tradition. Thank you : )
ReplyDeleteHi Lorelei
ReplyDeleteSilence would be too sad I think, so laughter it is.
Blessings, V.
Hi Vanessa
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you like the idea.
Blessings, V.
Hi Victoria
ReplyDeleteI like that idea as well.
Blessings, V.
Hi Melissa
ReplyDeleteHappy to be your teacher for the day. The silent eaters probably would be horrified at laughter during a Dumb Supper. I just don't think I could sit through a whole meal in 'heavy silence'.
Blessings, V.
Great idea - I love how it's a fun way to remember your loved ones and not bringing up the sadness of the loss.. if that makes any sense.
ReplyDeleteVivienne, I think this is really interesting and special! Two questions, do you know why it is called a "Dumb Supper" and when you put the food on the plate, for the person that has passed, what do you do with it, after everyone has finished eating? Just wondering something special? I really love this idea! Hugs my friend!
ReplyDeleteI learned of this custom several years back while visiting Salem of all places. I saw an advertisement for an upcoming Dumb Supper that the witches were going to have on Halloween night I think. That of course prompted me to research it more. And I instantly loved the whole idea of it...but like you, the silence would not be fun for me. I like to keep those I've lost alive in my memory and in my life at all times by talking of them often and recounting the things they used to say and do. A Dumb Supper would be almost like a home version of Dia de Los Muertos...an honoring of the deceased, but in the home instead of the cemetery! Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Magic Love Crow
ReplyDeleteI think it is called "dumb" for the term that was used at the time "deaf and dumb". Dumb, meaning they could not speak. I think it might need a new mname like Spirit Supper or something along those lines.
As for the spirit plate, some set it outside for critters to eat and others throw it away. Either way is fine as long as it is not eaten by a living human. (Zombies are ok)
Hugs back at you my friend, V.
Hi Wendy
ReplyDeleteThank you. Your right, it would be like a stay at home version of Dia de los Muertos, though I think it would be cool to eat in a cemetery.
Blessings, V.
Hi BeWitchy
ReplyDeleteIt makes perfect sense to me. Laughter instead of sadness is the way to go in my book.
Blessings, V.
Thanks Vivienne ;o)
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