23:44 Oct 07 2011
Times Read: 503
THE DUMB SUPPER
By Trepessa ©2007 (Sinistra)
Samhain was the eve of the Celtic New Year, November 1. Although it appears at first glance to be pronounced “sam-hane,” its proper pronunciation is actually “sow-en.” Various spirits were honored on this day. Bonfires were built in honor of the gods.
The eve was the time when people believed the veil opened to spirit realms. At this time, man and spirits were thought to be able to intermingle. Some of these spirits were faery folk. Many believed the faeries would dress up as beggars and go from one house to the other. They would ask for food but if refused various consequences could be incurred. This idea is said to be the precursor to the modern practice of “trick or treat.”
Therefore it was important to be prepared by leaving some sort of offering for the faeries such as milk which would be poured over special stones. Faery mounds were thought to be open and many feared coming under a spell and would carry pieces of iron with them for protection.
There were also other spirits honored on this night. Those were the spirits of dead ancestors. Samhain has its roots in antiquity and was originally called Trenae Samma. Samhain dates from the 5th Century BCE and was a three day celebration in remembrance of the Harvest and over time one day was allotted for honoring the dead. This practice eventually evolved into a silent feast called the “Dumb Supper,” also referred to as the “Silent Supper” or “Mute Supper”.
The Dumb Supper is a dinner in complete silence. This particular observance is associated with Wicca and with Witchcraft. Through research I discovered it is a more modern celebration that was added at a later date to the Samhain observance. Not only is it a practice common to Wicca it is something practiced in rural West Virginia. The tradition has been handed down within various families and is called the same name. It’s likely the similarity of observance in the United States is directly related to immigrants.
“The time chosen for this year-end bash was not arbitrary, nor strictly harvest-related. It fell on what is known as a "joint" of the seasons -- a time of transition like our modern New Year's Eve. On these "seams," particularly this one, the division between this world and the next became blurred. The dead, it was believed, knew this and took advantage of it, returning to visit their earthly families. The living, both in fear and awe, made the spirits welcome, while at the same time endeavoring not to be taken by them back to the land of the dead. The tradition of costumes grew from disguises worn to confuse the spirits and avoid this fate.” (Janice Van Cleeve)
“The Celts believed that when people died, they went to a land of eternal youth and happiness called Tir nan Og. They did not have the concept of heaven and hell believed by the Christian church. The dead were thought to be dwelling with the Fairy Folk; they lived in the numerous mounds or sidhe (pronounced "shee") that dotted the Irish and Scottish countryside. Samhain was the New Year to the Celts. In the Celtic belief system, turning points, such as the time between one day and the next, the meeting of sea and shore, or the turning of one year into the next were seen as magical times. The turning of the year was the most potent of these times. This was the time when the "veil between the worlds" was at its thinnest, and the living could communicate with their beloved dead in Tir nan Og.” (Athens Forums)
There is debate on the origins of this supper. Some disagree on its early beginnings and others state it’s a much more modern celebration but its observance is widely accepted in circles that practice Celtic traditions. Generally the table is set in black. That means black tablecloth, black napkins, utensils, glasses, and anything else used at the supper. Everything used for the meal in a traditional Wiccan celebration will be almost solely black.
One chair is designated for the spirits at the head of the table and is shrouded appropriately for the discarnate guests. It is commonly referred to as simply the “Spirit Chair.” Generally two candles are placed on the table identified as main candles, one at the head of the table and the other opposite. The candle near the Spirit Chair is white and is put next to the plate. Cauldrons come in many sizes therefore if the hostess has a small cauldron it should be on a side table near the Spirit Chair. If the cauldron is extremely large put on the floor nearby. All items on the table should be in close proximity and within reach. This is to aid in maintaining total silence. The area should be consecrated in whatever manner is traditional for the group participating, A popular way is by casting a circle and inviting in the dead. The guests are generally given a bowl of blessed water or purifying herbs for cleansing purposes. The hostess leaves the bowl by the door for her guests.
Individual participants will pass by the Spirit Chair and seat themselves in prearranged places. Notes for their dearly departed are hidden under their plates. Some state the notes are merely small prayers brought by each guest. The food will be served from oldest to youngest with the starting point at the Spirit chair. Food is also placed on the plate for the visiting spirits to honor them. Before and after the meal a moment is observed in silence giving thanks for the shared meal. When the meal is over the guests will silently exit pass the Spirit Chair burning the notes they brought in the flame of the white candle. The ashes are caught in the cauldron and the host or hostess dispels the circle and thanks the dead for coming. Afterward those that were at the dinner may return to talk about their impressions of the dinner and generally socialize.
What follows is a slightly different take on the dumb supper. As each guest enters they touch the spirit chair. Votive candles are placed on each plate, a white one for the “Spirit Chair” and black for all other place settings. They continue to their own chairs and sometimes say a silent prayer for their ancestor. They seat themselves and join hands for a silent blessing of the food they are about to partake. When the meal is over, they again join hands in silent prayer. The notes are then removed and burned in the candle flame at each place setting. The ashes are caught in a prearranged container of some sort. They file out and may stop to silently say something at each place setting or may go to an ancestral altar that has been set up for the guests.
When the guests return to share their thoughts, this is the time for divination. The candles have been left to burn while guests are still present. They are then put out and the candle ends along with the ashes, collected from burning the notes, are either thrown into moving water or buried someplace other than on the property where the supper was held.
The version in rural America starts precisely at midnight. Two girls are chosen to set the table. They walk backward to get everything. A plate is set for each person you wish to contact. The place settings are also in reverse as well with the eating utensils on the opposite side of where they normally would be placed. The meal is served in the reverse as well with the dessert first and appetizers at the end.
“At some point during the meal, the recently departed loved one would make contact. One reason to try to reach the loved one who recently died was if the family had had signs or "feelings" of restlessness, showing the dead might be confused and had not crossed over to the other side. The contact through the Dumb Supper was a way of helping them to cross over and finally find peace.” (Janice Van Cleeve)
Ireland and Scotland have their own traditional ways of observing this supper that goes back a number of years and as I have stated it is debated how far it goes back. “Valoo” or the Dumb Supper is to honor the dead as in all observances. The windows and doors are left unlocked to allow the spirits to enter the home. Traditionally a cake is baked called a Dumb Cake (soddag valloo). All ceremonies and special foods for the meal are prepared by nine women.
“Girls are given a small piece of dough, mixed with any but spring water. They knead the dumb cake with their left thumbs, in silence. Before midnight they prick initials on them with a new pin, and put them by the fire to bake. At midnight each lover enters and lays his hand on the cake marked with his initials.” (Christine O’Keefe)
Colcannon is one of the traditional foods served at a Dumb Supper. This dish is popular in both Ireland and Scotland and sometimes served in the United States and other places where this is an observance. It is considered a traditional Irish dish. The following is a recipe for Colcannon if you would wish to serve it at your Dumb Supper:
Recipe by Edain McCoy
Serves 8
4 cups mashed potatoes
2-1/2 cups cabbage, cooked and chopped fine
1/2 cup butter
(Avoid corn oil margarines as they will not add the needed body and flavor)
1/2 cup evaporated milk or cream
3/4 cup onion, chopped very fine and sautéed.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
“Sauté onions (traditionalists sauté in lard or grease, but butter is acceptable). Boil the potatoes and mash them (do not use artificial potato flakes). In a large pan place all of the ingredients except the cabbage and cook over low heat while blending them together. Turn the heat to medium and add the chopped cabbage. The mixture will take on a pale green cast. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture is warm enough to eat. Lastly drop in the thimble, button, ring, and coin. Stir well and serve.”
Be careful if these items are added into the mix. They represent a thimble for a spinster, a button for a bachelor, a ring for a bride and a coin for wealth. It is an old Irish tradition to hide these items in the Colcannon.
“For many centuries throughout Celtic Europe it was believed that the souls of the dead returned at Samhain to visit their old homes and families. It was customary to welcome them in, to once again warm themselves by the hearth fire and share in the family meal. The family would prepare a meal consisting of traditional foods that were always eaten at Samhain for good luck. In Ireland this would have consisted of colcannon which is a mixture of potatoes and cabbage or kale, brown bread and porridge made from the grain harvest. A place was set at the table for each family member and visitor present as usual. But, at Samhain one more place was always laid. This was for the visiting spirits. The extra plate was filled with food just as those of the living participants in the feast. The meal shared with the spirits was known as the "dumb supper" and is still a part of both the European Celtic and Appalachian celebration of Halloween in many families.” (Kathleen Dupree)
Obviously the basis of all these observances is intent and works with whatever acceptable symbolism the particular group associates appropriate when contacting the dead. Most appear to have been traditionally handed down. If you would like to recreate one of these traditions either use some of the information given here or look on the internet. Work with what seems to give you that gut feeling of correctness, basically whatever feels right. The observance is done with reverence for our dearly departed and in that frame of mind you shouldn’t go wrong. There are also books that have been written on this topic that may help you to decide how you would like to set up your own Dumb Supper. Perhaps you might want to start your own family tradition.
*Have a Happy Halloween and a Wonderful Samhain*
Janice Van Cleeve, Traditions of the Dumb Supper, 2006
http://www.tartanplace.com/hcustom/dumbsupper.html
Kathleen Dupree, The Spirit of Halloween
http://www.leyline.org/cra/articles/samhain_spirit.html
Edain McCoy, The Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways, page 38, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.)
Pandora, The Dumb Supper
http://www.iamawitch.com/article.php?story=20041010150548507
Storm Wing, Samhain Lore and Recipes
www.cauldrons-broomsticks.net/2001Sam1.htm
Athens Forum, Halloween
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/5452/hallorig.html
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