CapeConversation

Our alternative perspective on Halloween, in which we explored the relationship between the dead and the living, took place on Friday 3rd November.

We started by showing 1 Giant Leap’s short film on Death. After that Tim Victor
gave a succinct and fresh appreciation of the Celtic notion of the “thin place”.

Each person then remembered a dead ancestor, either blood relative or spiritual inspirational figure. In addition a few ventured to say how they would like to be remembered.

We took a communion of popcorn and cider, and Tim then spoke of the Great Ancestor and Nic read from Hebrews, chapters 11 and 12.

The evening turned out not exactly as planned; for one the crucifix pumpkin had decayed severely and instead of being a proud mysterious reminder of G-ds bounty, was transfigured into an icon of decay, and our invited speaker on African Ancestor veneration didn’t make it.

The evening was met with various responses. Some expressed concern at the morbid nature of the film, which featured people from various cultures discussing death, as well as extensive footage of a Hindu funeral pyre. Others were simply uneasy talking about death. But a few found the unorthodox Eucharist intriguing, and entered into their veneration and remembrances whole heartedly.

It was a solemn but a necessary reflection on the great taboo of our society.