{"id":5938,"date":"2015-05-21T12:46:16","date_gmt":"2015-05-21T18:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/panmankey\/?p=5938"},"modified":"2015-05-21T12:46:16","modified_gmt":"2015-05-21T18:46:16","slug":"a-pagan-memorial-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/panmankey\/2015\/05\/a-pagan-memorial-day\/","title":{"rendered":"A Pagan Memorial Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

The American holiday of Memorial Day was established to recognize women and men who died while serving in the US military. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began in the years following the Civil War and was generally celebrated on May 30. If there\u2019s a father of Memorial Day it\u2019s American General John A. Logan<\/a> who \u201cordered\u201d the first celebration of the holiday in 1868:<\/p>\n

The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit . . . . . .<\/p>\n

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation\u2019s gratitude, \u2014 the soldier\u2019s and sailor\u2019s widow and orphan.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Photo<\/a>
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Logan\u2019s observance wasn\u2019t the first Decoration Day, the city of Waterloo New York had observed something similar a few years before on the fifth of May, but it did serve to popularize the holiday. By the start of the 20th Century most \u201cNorthern\u201d states officially celebrated Decoration Day on May 30 as a way to commemorate those who died in the American Civil War. In the American South similar observances were held, but on various dates. <\/p>\n

Decoration Day did not officially become Memorial Day until 1967, but the term was in use by the end of the 19th Century. At the conclusion of World War One the holiday\u2019s focus began to change. Instead of being a Northern holiday honoring those who died in the Civil War it became a holiday to honor all those who had died in combat. This change resulted in many Southern States officially adopting the holiday on the date of May 30. By the conclusion of World War II Memorial Day had become the most common name for the holiday, and was made official in 1967.<\/p>\n

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act<\/em> passed by Congress in 1968 made Memorial Day a national holiday and changed the holiday\u2019s date. Instead of being celebrated on May 30, it would be moved to the last Monday of May. Though Memorial Day on a Monday feels like something that has been celebrated for countless decades the law only went into effect in 1971. Americans love their three-day weekends.*<\/p>\n

Today Memorial Day still serves as an opportunity to honor our war dead, but it\u2019s also become the \u201cunofficial start of Summer.\u201d In some ways I think the \u201cstart of Summer\u201d thing has overshadowed the holiday\u2019s original purpose. Instead of taking a moment to remember those who gave their lives for liberty and freedom, Memorial Day often feels like it\u2019s more about mattress sales and backyard barbecues. <\/p>\n

For various theological reasons ancestor worship\/reverence has never been a large part of my Pagan practice. However, Memorial Day provides a great opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives to war. \u201cWhat is remembered, lives.\u201d <\/p>\n

A Memorial Day Rite<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"11270375_10153266217418232_8507665120677907221_o\"<\/a>I\u2019ve always tried to avoid sabbat and esbat celebrations on national holidays, but two years ago I somehow scheduled a coven ritual over Memorial Day weekend. Turnout was small, but we proceeded anyways. I didn\u2019t really have anything planned for that ritual, but felt like we as a coven should do something to commemorate Memorial Day. It\u2019s become a part of my holiday routine ever since. This is not an elaborate bit of ritual, but I think a holiday as somber as Memorial Day doesn\u2019t need a big production.<\/p>\n

You will need:
\nThree Candles
\nOne Flower (or a bouquet of flowers)
\nOne Vases for flowers<\/p>\n

Start by walking up to the altar and placing a flower (or a bouquet of flowers) in a vase. After placing it there say:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn honor of lives and loves lost. So mote it be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coven repeats \u201cso mote it be.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cWe light this candle in remembrance of the brave men and women who have died in service to our country. Honored ancestors, we honor your sacrifice, commend your bravery, and thank you for the freedoms we enjoy. You may have left this world, but you will never be forgotten. Blessed Be!\u201d<\/p>\n

After lighting the first candle take a moment to reflect and remember those who served in the military. While Memorial Day is a holiday about those who died in combat, I can\u2019t help but think of my Grandfather who served in World War II. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe light this second candle in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives to conflict, racism, and war. Beloved dead, remind us to listen, love, and see with truth so that we do not repeat the mistakes of those who came before us. Blessed Be!\u201d<\/p>\n

Now light the second candle and reflect on those who have lost their lives to war and prejudice. It\u2019s easy to remember those who served in combat but I think it\u2019s also important to remember those who have lost their lives to war. Violence should be used to solve problems only as a last resort. <\/p>\n

\"11329809_10153266217423232_5982253730889258935_n\"<\/a>\u201cWe light this third candle in honor of freedom and liberty. May the spirit of truth and justice bless all in this world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Light the third candle and take a moment to reflect on the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness we\u2019ve been lucky to engage in. I know the world is not perfect, but it could be far, far, worse. <\/p>\n

Now take the single flower (or bouquet) and place it in the vase while saying:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn honor of lives and loves lost. May we ever remember. So mote it be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coven then repeats \u201cso mote it be.\u201d<\/p>\n

This little rite can be done as a group or individually. Just be sure to take a moment this Memorial Day weekend to say \u201cthank you\u201d to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. <\/p>\n

Blessed Be!<\/strong><\/p>\n

*Well at least those who get three day weekends. At least 25% of Americans<\/a> will be working this Memorial Day. Holidays in the United States have quickly become about the \u201chaves\u201d and \u201chave nots\u201d instead of a shared national experience. If you haven\u2019t guessed, this pisses me off to no end. <\/p>\n

\"10928866_1041223679237965_1965610168637356891_n\"<\/a>CLICK HERE TO \u201cLIKE\u201d PATHEOS PAGAN ON FACEBOOK<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to do, like Patheos Pagan<\/a> and Raise the Horns<\/a> on Facebook!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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