Community Ancestor Altar

Hundreds of years ago when friends would come over for our Halloween parties I liked to set up a community ancestor altar. Placed on it would be offerings of food, incense, liquor, & a fire proof bowl. Those who chose to participate could come to the altar & write petitions, notes of memories in honour of their loved ones, ancestors, pets, or spirits. If one so wished they could also take a shot & drink to their beloved dead. The papers would be lit on fire & dropped it into the bowl or cauldron.

At the end of the evening we would take the ashes & offerings outside, let the wind carry them away, & then pour an offering of booze to the earth.

I still do this every year for my dead & I would like to offer it to you all. If you would like to participate please leave your petition below. They will be written out & burned for you on Oct 31st. I will even take your shot for you! (well some of them.. but of course in memory to all)

Вічная Пам’ять. May all their memories be eternal. 

Approach this shrine of stone
beneath the trees
& drink its whiteness,
while the shadows move
Like the slow march of Time;
mellowed & sweet.
Let the fine memories
Held in this quiet guard of love,
Thy soul with limpid mirroring repeat.
Above its chasteness the faint opal sky
Of dawn, the turquoise of the burning day,
The ruby vapours of the sunset, float
Like window-stains to lie
Tempering the sombre-shadowed bay
That bids thy prayer, sequestered & devote.

~ Leslie Holdsworth Allen.