Halloween Event: The Dumb Supper - Dinner With The Dead - Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:30pm to 10pm at the Hawthorne Hotel
Join the Salem Witches as we honor the dead with a dinner observed in utter silence. Salem Witch Christian Day invites 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 ceremony welcoming the dead, after which attendees are guided into the sacred space where the feast is served. From this point on, no one may speak. By remaining quiet, you will open your heart and mind to those who have crossed over. In years past, guests of the Dumb Supper have felt a ghostly touch, detected a scent of perfume, heard messages, and even witnessed physical manifestations of spirit energy.

This is a serious and solemn event where respect for the spirits is paramount. Your loved ones honor you as you honor them and we ask that you keep this in mind if you plan to attend.

Menu for the evening

Our menu this year is designed for a wide audience, including vegetarians.

Appetizer
Butternut Squash Risotto Cake, with Fresh Basil, Tomatoes and Crispy Leeks; Fresh Rolls with Butter

Salad
Mesclun green salad with sliced fresh pear, local crumbled bleu cheese, and lemon-basil vinaigrette

Soup
Apple and roasted pumpkin bisque with cinnamon mascarpone

Entree
Pumpkin Ravioli with roasted potatos and grilled asparagus

Dessert
Traditional Apple Brown Betty with Real Whipped Cream;
Freshly Brewed Coffee, Tea or Decaffeinated Coffee

An Ancient Past
Ritual offerings of food for the dead have been made throughout history, demonstrating humanity’s near-universal belief in an afterlife. Paleolithic humans have often been found buried with food. The Egyptians offered food to their dead in honor of the god, Osiris, while the Celtic peoples did so at Samhain—a time of great magic now known as Halloween. On the Roman holiday of Feralia (February 21), worship of the gods was suspended as the Romans made offerings of meat and cakes to appease the spirits. In Japan, many thought it advantageous to provide the dead with their favorite foods. Buddhists present offerings of food to the “Pretas”—lost, goblin-like souls—for the purpose of relieving their ghostly pains. Catholicism holds three days of observance for the dearly departed at All Saints Day on November 1, a practice inherited from the Celtic Samhain. The dead do not actually consume the food itself, but rather absorb its spiritual essence. Still practiced today, dining with the dead is an ancient tradition that honors our divine ancestors. The Witches of Salem invite you to take part in this most sacred Samhain feast!

Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:30pm to 10pm at the Hawthorne Hotel
The Dumb Supper is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Historic Hawthorne Hotel, a haunted site featured on the Sci Fi Channel’s show Ghost Hunters!

Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are $100 per person. Seating is limited so reserve your tickets below using your credit card! Ticket Sales are Final.

More info and tickets sale: http://www.festivalofthedead.com