Halloween Treat: A Simple Dumb Supper How To & an Even Simpler Recipe
Happy Halloween, Witches! Here’s a little treat — no tricks, I promise!
A Dumb Supper, also known as a Silent Supper, is a traditional ritual or observance that is often conducted during Samhain (or Halloween) in various Pagan and folk traditions. The purpose of a Dumb Supper is to honor and communicate with the spirits of the deceased, particularly one's ancestors, in a silent and solemn setting.
There are several ways that one can conduct or participate in a dumb supper but here is a very simple explanation of what may be typical.
The Dumb Supper
Preparation:
Timing: Dumb Suppers are typically held at midnight or during the darkest part of the night, which is believed to be the time when the veil between the worlds is thinnest.
Location: The supper is usually set up in a quiet, dimly lit or candlelit room. It can be performed indoors or outdoors, depending on personal preference and tradition.
Altar or Table: An altar or table is prepared and decorated with items that have symbolic significance, such as photographs of deceased loved ones, ancestral mementos, candles, flowers, and offerings.
Silent Commemoration:
Silence: Participants in the Dumb Supper maintain complete silence throughout the ritual. Speaking is not allowed, as it is believed that the spirits are more likely to communicate when there is silence.
Place Settings: A table is set for both the living and the deceased. Each place setting for the deceased may include a plate, utensils, and a chair. The living may have a separate place setting.
Food and Drink: A meal is prepared, and it often includes the favorite dishes and drinks of the deceased loved ones. These offerings are placed at the deceased's place settings. It's believed that the spirits may partake in the essence or energy of the food.
Invocations and Prayers: Participants may silently offer prayers, invocations, or thoughts directed toward the spirits of the deceased. These can include expressions of love, gratitude, and requests for guidance or protection.
Observation:
Sitting in Darkness: The living participants may eat their meal in the dimly lit room, reflecting on their loved ones and the connection with the spirit world. The atmosphere is typically somber and meditative.
Vigil and Waiting: After the meal, participants may keep vigil, sitting in silence for a period of time, awaiting any signs or messages from the spirits. This might involve sitting in quiet reflection or even practicing divination, such as tarot readings or scrying.
Closing the Supper:
Releasing the Spirits: At the conclusion of the Dumb Supper, participants may express their gratitude to the spirits and release them. This is done to ensure that the spirits do not linger in the living world and can return to the afterlife.
Clean-Up: The altar or table is cleared of the offerings and the meal remnants, which may be ritually disposed of in a specific manner, such as burying them in the earth or leaving them outdoors.
A Dumb Supper is a deeply spiritual and introspective practice that allows participants to connect with their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. It is a time to honor, remember, and seek communion with the spirit world while maintaining a respectful and solemn atmosphere.
The exact details and customs of a Dumb Supper may vary among different traditions and individual practitioners, but the core elements of silence, offerings, and reflection are generally present.
I have read about dumb suppers that begin with the dining table set completely backwards including individuals moving about the room in a backward motion — and although I have conducted my own dumb suppers in the past, I have also, on occasion, dispensed with most of the structure of the supper and simply set an additional plate of food and place setting for my beloved dead during a typical Samhain feast.
However you decide to honor the spirits this Samhain is completely up to you. Either way, I hope you have a truly magickal experience!
A Simple Traditional Halloween Recipe
Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds
Ancient native cultures in the Americas consumed nutrient-dense pumpkin seeds both raw and roasted, as far back as 10,000 years ago. Here’s a flavorful way to enjoy some at home.
Ingredients
1 pound green hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon tamari sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
salt to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Mix pumpkin seeds, olive oil, chili powder, tamari, and garlic powder in a resealable 1-gallon plastic bag. Seal bag and knead to coat the seeds with seasonings. Spread coated seeds on a baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then turn the seeds over. Bake until pumpkin seeds are lightly toasted and fragrant, about 15 more minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cool before serving; store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
