HALLOWED: Celebrating Our Beloved Departed
Candle Lighting & Masquerade Dance
Took Place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 at The Widow Jane Mine, Rosendale
photos above by Photomuse
A Night of Remembrance and Celebration
On November 2nd the Widow Jane Mine was transformed into a sacred space for the HALLOWED celebration. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with the opportunity to rent or purchase masks, a poignant way to honor their loved ones. The air was filled with anticipation as attendees gathered at the mouth of the mine, ready to embark on a journey of remembrance and gratitude.
The evening began with a heartfelt land acknowledgment and a permission to enter, setting the tone for a sacred and respectful gathering. Spoken offerings were shared, pouring out love and gratitude for those who have passed. As the sun began to set, candles were lit and placed at the altars, casting a warm glow upon the space. A moment of silent prayer and presence followed, accompanied by a soothing soundscape.
Everyone lifted their voices together and began to move into their body and the energy shifted to one of celebration of being alive. The masquerade dance commenced, with attendees moving gracefully, their masks and attire reflecting the unique personalities of their loved ones. The cavernous space echoed with laughter, music, and sheer magic.
Throughout the evening, guests were invited to participate in various activities, including writing love notes, a space for private communion, sharing stories in circle, and dancing. This collective expression of love, gratitude, and remembrance honored our departed loved ones on the Day of the Dead, All Souls’ Day, and the time of Samhain. As the night drew to a close, a collective howl filled the mine, a powerful expression of grief, love, and release. Letters were placed into a cauldron fire to send the words between worlds.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the HALLOWED celebration. Your presence and participation made this event truly unforgettable. The love, respect, and beauty that filled the Widow Jane Mine will continue to inspire us as we honor the memory of our departed loved ones.
Hallowed means sacred or holy, together we create this connection.
A Day of the Dead celebration, a tradition observed by many cultures worldwide, honors the lives of the departed. Rooted in ancient Aztec, Celtic, Christian, and Indigenous American customs, this observance commemorates the return of ancestral spirits and celebrates the cycle of life and death. We are working with people from all of these cultures to bring this evening to you.
On this day, the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thinnest, offering a unique opportunity for connection and remembrance. Here, we create a new tradition that honors the past while addressing the needs of our diverse community today.
