New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| In ancient Rome, Parentalia, a festival to honor the deceased ancestors, was celebrated on February 13. Informal family dinners to honor the ancestral dead - considered helpful household spirits and known as "Lares"-were held.
Plan a family dinner and place an extra plate in the center of the table. Cover the plate with small white candles, bread, salt, and flowers. Before the meal, light the candles and invite your helpful ancestors with these words: Our helpful ancestors we do embrace, In hopes that this gathering shall you grace, We honor you with blossoms, salt and bread, Bless this table and humble homestead. For all that you passed on to us we are grateful, May our kindest ancestral ties remain faithful. Leave the plate on the table until the candles burn out, then take the food and place it reverently outside as an offering. |
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