A pagan remembrance ritual is a sacred and special event that allows individuals to honor and connect with their ancestors. It is important to choose appropriate attire for such rituals, as it helps create a respectful and meaningful atmosphere. While there is no strict dress code for pagan rituals, certain considerations can guide your choice. **Comfortable and Weather-Appropriate Attire:** When dressing for a pagan remembrance ritual, it is important to prioritize comfort and practicality. As these rituals often take place outdoors, it is vital to consider the weather conditions. Dressing in layers is a good idea, as it allows you to adjust your clothing accordingly.
Now the sun has descended into the realm of the underworld, the forces of the underworld were in the ascendency. The lord of the underworld, unfettered from the control of the sun, now walked the earth and with him travelled all those other creatures from the abode of the dead. Ghosts, fairies and a host of other non-descript creatures went with him. The Lord of the Dead in Celtic mythology can be identified as Donn.
The Mound of the Hostages is 4,500 to 5000 years old, suggesting that Samhain was celebrated long before the first Celts arrived in Ireland about 2,500 years ago. Set the intention of cleansing, purifying, or letting go of the negative things in your life, and move through the ceremony or ritual with that intention in mind.
Dressing in layers is a good idea, as it allows you to adjust your clothing accordingly. If the ritual takes place during colder months, wearing warm and cozy clothing is recommended. On the other hand, if it is a hot and sunny day, opt for lightweight and breathable fabric.
Samhain/Halloween Rituals for Honoring the Dead
I've been a practicing witch for a good portion of my life, but throughout the years, I haven't always been great about celebrating every single Sabbat (pagan holiday). Halloween, however, has been the one exception. It's called Samhain (pronounced sow-en or sow-een) in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, which is what my spiritual practice is based around, and it's one of the holiest days of the year. Samhain actually marks the Celtic New Year, the final harvest before Earth truly descents into winter, darkness, and death. At this closing, ancient Celts (and modern Pagans) believe the boundaries between the living world and spirit realm are thinnest and our ancestors may walk among us or communicate with us more easily than any other time of year.
The tradition of dressing up and wearing costumes comes from pagan practices of dressing as animals or ancestors to communicate with them and invoke their wisdom during this sacred time. Mexicans paint skulls on their faces to honor and invoke their dead loved ones during Dia de los Muertes. Christians honor their saints and celebrate All Saints Day.
The greatest loss I've experienced in my lifetime was my Nana, my paternal grandmother, when I was eleven. She lived with us and was essentially my mother as my own was not very present in my life. She was a devout Catholic and while I never really connected with Christianity for a multitude of reasons (even though we went to church regularly in my youth), something permanently severed for me after her death. I couldn't force myself to believe in a God who would take such a devout woman from us, a woman who was practically the center of my world. It just didn't make sense to me. It was around this time I began to explore other spiritual paths and I found one that centered on nature, that revered women, and that honored the loved ones who had passed on - without requiring belief of a higher power. That's an oversimplification of what paganism is, but it's what initially drew me to it.
My Samhain altar.Anyway, ever since I can remember, I've honored my Nana in some way on Halloween/Samhain, talking to her, updating her on my life, thanking her for the time we had together. Over the years, I have added other loved ones who have passed on into my rituals, visiting their graves when weather permits and talking to them too. If you'd like to incorporate honoring the dead into your life, here are a few suggestions:
- Create an ancestor altar in your home with photos and keepsakes
- Add photos and keepsakes of your ancestors and deceased loved ones to your "main" altar
- Do a ritual at their grave (see mine below)
- Can't get to their grave? Light a candle or incense for them at home and meditate, picturing them in your mind and catch them up on your life, ask for their guidance
Our ancestor altar at our wedding.
What follows is the ritual I created in 2007 and have followed ever since. I tend to work with Greek and Celtic gods and goddesses as a way of directing and envisioning a particular energy or emotion, but please feel free to adapt this to your own spiritual practices, whether you're pagan or not, and whether you're doing this graveside or not. I do not believe anyone needs to define themself as a part of a larger religious group to be spiritual, nor do I believe any ritual needs to be followed to a T or done in a specific way. Honoring your dead is very personal and you should do what feels comfortable and right for you.
Samhain Graveside Ritual
Supplies Needed:
- bowl or shaker of salt
- incense
- black or blue candle
- blessed water (could be blessed by the full moon or infused with the powers of herbs or crystals or holy water)
- pentacle
The Ritual:
1. Stand in front of the grave and center yourself with three deep breaths. Then say:
Hecate, Goddess of Night, Magic, Mother of the Dead, hear my plea ~
Pass on my message of love
To those you have taken from me.
Let the elements dance around
The body of [loved one's name] buried in this ground.
2. Sprinkle salt around the grave, saying:
Earth ~
For the ground in which [name] rests,
That once ran beneath [his/her/their] feet,
I beseech thee ~
3. Light your incense and walk with it around the grave, saying:
Air ~
For the time we spent breathing in the same,
And the wisdom [name] passed on to me,
I beseech thee ~
4. Light your candle and walk with it around the grave, saying:
Fire ~
For the passion and love that burned within [name]'s heart,
And for the warmth they brought into my life that I will never forget,
I beseech thee ~
5. Sprinkle water around the grave, saying:
Water ~
For the many tears I have shed,
Each a memory I'll never forget,
I beseech thee ~
6. Now is a good time to share remembrances, thanks, things you wish you had said, and catch your loved one up on your life. It's okay to cry!
7. Once you're ready to say goodbye again, hold your pentacle to the sky or put it on the grave and say:
Spirit ~
Take my words with thee,
With Hecate's torches, let [name] see
All that [she/he/they] meant to me.
Let [him/her/them], for this night, roam free
Let them commune with me
Until the Witching Hour is known,
Then let [name] return to [his/her their] earthly home.
So mote it be!
Lead photo credit: Caroline Attwood via Unsplash
So there are lots of ways these festivals and their rituals overlap. That’s probably due to them all being celebrated near the end of the year, close to each other. Looking through all of this stuff you can really start to get a sense of the connections between Day of the Dead, Halloween/Samhain, The Winter Solstice/Yule, and the end of the year celebrations we all generally take part in.
**Neutral and Natural Colors:** Choosing the right colors for a pagan remembrance ritual is another important aspect. Neutral and earthy tones such as browns, greens, and grays are commonly favored, as they symbolize the connection to nature and the earth. Avoid overly bright or flashy colors that may distract from the sacredness of the ritual. **Symbolic Accessories:** Incorporating symbolic accessories into your attire can enhance the spiritual significance of the ritual. For instance, wearing a pendant or piece of jewelry that represents your ancestral lineage can be a meaningful addition. Additionally, incorporating natural elements such as feathers, stones, or leaves can be a way to connect with nature and the spirits. **Modesty and Respect:** When choosing your attire, it is important to be mindful of the sacredness of the ritual and show respect. Consider opting for modest clothing that covers the body appropriately. Avoid clothing with offensive symbols or messages that may detract from the reverence of the ceremony. **Personal Expression:** While there are general guidelines, it is important to remember that personal expression is key. Paganism is a diverse and inclusive path, and individuals are encouraged to dress in a way that resonates with their own spiritual beliefs and cultural background. If there are specific traditions or customs related to pagan remembrance rituals in your lineage, you may choose to incorporate them into your attire as a way to honor your ancestors. In summary, dressing for a pagan remembrance ritual should prioritize comfort, respect, and personal expression. Opt for comfortable and weather-appropriate attire, choose neutral and natural colors, incorporate symbolic accessories, and show modesty. Remember that the most important aspect is creating a sacred and meaningful atmosphere that allows you to honor and connect with your ancestors..
Reviews for "Breaking Boundaries: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Pagan Remembrance Ritual Attire"
1. Sarah - 2/5
As someone who is not familiar with pagan rituals, I found "What to dress in for a pagan remembrance ritual" to be confusing and unhelpful. The author assumed that readers would have prior knowledge about these rituals, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected throughout the entire article. Additionally, the suggestions for dressing were vague and lacked specific details, making it difficult for me to understand what would be appropriate attire for such an occasion. Overall, I was disappointed with this article and would not recommend it to others who are new to pagan rituals.
2. Mark - 1/5
I found "What to dress in for a pagan remembrance ritual" to be a complete waste of time. The article did not provide any valuable information or guidance on what to wear for such a ritual. It seemed like the writer simply rambled on about unrelated topics, making it difficult to find any useful advice. Furthermore, the lack of structure and organization in the article made it confusing and frustrating to read. I was highly disappointed with this piece and would not recommend it to anyone seeking guidance on appropriate attire for a pagan remembrance ritual.
3. Emily - 2/5
I was looking forward to reading "What to dress in for a pagan remembrance ritual," as I was attending one for the first time and wanted some guidance on what to wear. However, I found the article to be lacking in practical advice and specific recommendations. The author didn't provide any clear instructions or examples, making it difficult for me to envision how I should dress for the occasion. Additionally, the article seemed to veer off topic at times, discussing unrelated aspects of pagan rituals instead of focusing on dressing appropriately. I was disappointed with this article and wished it had provided more useful information for newcomers like myself.