Thursday, October 28, 2010, 6:30pm to 10pm at the Hawthorne Hotel
Join the Salem Witches as we honor the dead with a dinner observed in utter silence. Salem Witch Christian Day invites you to a banquet of sumptuous cuisine where the only sound heard is music chosen in memory of the departed. Bring photos and mementos to summon the souls of your loved ones on the other side as you partake in the most solemn of all the ceremonies of Witchcraft. The Dumb Supper is an ancient tradition where the dead attend the living for a magical night of communion!

The evening opens with a ceremony guiding attendees through the veil between the worlds to the sacred realms of the dead, after which attendees are seated andfeast is served. From this point on, no one may speak. By remaining quiet, you will open your heart and mind to those who have crossed over. In years past, guests of the Dumb Supper have felt a ghostly touch, detected a scent of perfume, heard messages, and even witnessed physical manifestations of spirit energy.

This is a serious and solemn event where respect for the spirits is paramount. Your loved ones honor you as you honor them and we ask that you keep this in mind if you plan to attend.

Menu for the evening
The old ways tell us that the Dumb Supper must be served backwards, thus this may be the only dinner you attend where dessert is served first! Our menu is designed for a wide audience. Special requirements such as vegetarian or allergies, please contact us.

Dessert
Apple Tart: Buttery Pastry with Granny Smith Apples, Caramel Sauce,Whipped Cream
(coffee and tea will also be served at this time)

Entree
Roasted Pork Loin with Maple Cranberry Glaze and Cinnamon Apple Compote
(Chef’s Seasonal Vegetable and Potato, Freshly Baked Rolls and Breads Accompany Entrée)

Soup
Apple and Roasted Pumpkin Bisque with Cinnamon Mascarpone Swirl

Salad
Caesar Salad with Romaine Greens, Focaccia Croutons, Caesar Dressing and Sundried Tomatoes

Appetizer
Sweet Native Crab Cake with Caramelized Corn and Onion Relish, Red Pepper Puree

An Ancient Past
Ritual offerings of food for the dead have been made throughout history, demonstrating humanity's near-universal belief in an afterlife. Paleolithic humans have often been found buried with food. The Egyptians offered food to their dead in honor of the god, Osiris, while the Celtic peoples did so at Samhain—a time of great magic now known as Halloween. On the Roman holiday of Feralia (February 21), worship of the gods was suspended as the Romans made offerings of meat and cakes to appease the spirits. In Japan, many thought it advantageous to provide the dead with their favorite foods. Buddhists present offerings of food to the “Pretas”—lost, goblin-like souls—for the purpose of relieving their ghostly pains. Catholicism holds three days of observance for the dearly departed at All Saints Day on November 1, a practice inherited from the Celtic Samhain. The dead do not actually consume the food itself, but rather absorb its spiritual essence. Still practiced today, dining with the dead is an ancient tradition that honors our divine ancestors. The Witches of Salem invite you to take part in this most sacred feast of Samhain!

Thursday, October 28, 2010, 6:30pm to 10pm at the Hawthorne Hotel
The Dumb Supper is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Historic Hawthorne Hotel, a haunted site featured on the Sci Fi Channel's show Ghost Hunters!

Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are $95 per person. Seating is limited so reserve your tickets below using your credit card! Ticket Sales are Final.

Inquire About This Event
To ask a question about the Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead, click to email event host Christian Day.