A couple years ago, I read "The Witches Book of the Dead" written by Salem witch, Christian Day. In this book he described the Salem Dumb Supper. This intrigued me and so I toyed with the idea of holding one here in the Cedar Valley. I took a leap of faith and together with my two daughters, we held the first "Silent Supper" on October 30, 2015 for 30 guests in the Walker Building in Waterloo. I'm pleased to say we are doing it again this year and hope it will be an annual event.
What is the "Cedar Valley Silent Supper"? It is a three course catered dinner, served backwards (dessert first, salad last) and observed in silence with the exception of background music. The purpose at this point becomes what you want it to be. One place setting represents those who have passed before us. That setting will be served a portion just like the living guests. Those portions will be boxed up and later given to the crows to consume. Some guests prefer to just think about their deceased loved ones and honor them. Others hope to catch a glimpse, or smell perfume or cologne, or maybe hear a whisper from the departed.
Guests are invited to bring a photo of their loved ones and a note to them. Your note can either be a question or a heartfelt message. A candle is lit by each guest for the departed and placed alongside the photo on a special table. At the end of the meal, each guest burns the message and allows the ashes to fall into a bucket of water. Those ashes are poured out onto the earth after the meal.
After the meal is finished, divinations are provided at no extra cost. Card and pendulum readings might provide an answer to your question.
The guests who attended last year really enjoyed it and most will be returning this year. The cost per person is $40 which helps me cover the cost of the caterer and the venue. I will also have wine and sparkling cider on hand.
Something new this year is a "book of the dead". Guests can bring any kind of memento, 8 x 10 or smaller, to be pasted into a book. We will add to this book year after year. I will also have some scrap poking supplies on hand if you get inspired during the supper. Optionally if you would prefer to simply enter your loved one's name or names, I will leave a page in the book just for that.
Children are welcome as long as they can remain silent for the duration of the meal. My own 12 year old helps me organize the supper. It is for anyone and everyone, regardless of your religion or spiritual beliefs. It is not a seance, although you could receive a message from the departed.
Dress: wear whatever you like! My girls and I prefer to dress formal and wear black. Some guests come in Halloween costumes, some wear masks, some wear jeans and a tee shirt. The choice is yours. Makeup, costumes, masks, formal attire, blue jeans, all are acceptable. The only requirement is that you have fun. Dress like you would if you were having dinner with your deceased loved one.
This is a beautiful and fun event held at the time when the veil is thinnest. We hope you will attend. Questions? Feel free to ask me anything. There are no silly questions.
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Cedar Valley Silent Supper