The Mourning Tea - Festival of the Dead

Sunday, October 26, 2008, 10:30am - 2:30pm at the Hawthorne Hotel
Join Salem Witches Leanne Marrama and Sandra Mariah Power for Salem’s first annual Mourning Tea, a modern take on a grand Victorian tradition in honor of the dearly departed and the Pale Gentleman who will greet us all at the end of our days.

Don your finest mourning attire and hearken back to a time when mourning customs were elaborate and extravagant. Music will fill the air with sweet sorrow as the resident bards of the long black veil recite a selection of odes to the somber beauty of Death’s final waltz. High tea complete with courses of traditional tea sandwiches and desserts will be served.

Share your favorite photos and tales of your family members, friends, mentors, or other loved ones who have passed away. You will be invited to place a photo and description of your loved one into our Salem Witches’ Book of the Dead, used to honor and invoke the ancestors. Through the sharing of these pictures and stories, those who have crossed over will live on in the hearts and minds of those who remain for generations to come.

Toward the end of our ceremony, we will enjoy a final cup of loose tea. Messages from the other side may appear in the patterns of the leaves in our cups. The hosts will offer interpretations to all who wish to hear them.

What to wear: Whatever your culture dictates is appropriate mourning clothing. You may choose to wear Victorian garb, or all black. Whatever you feel honors your loved ones is acceptable.

What to bring: At least one photo of your loved one(s). A single page, handwritten or printed out, containing whatever you would like to say about your loved one(s). If you would like a memory of your loved one to be placed into the Book, the photo and text combined should not exceed 8.5 x 11 inches. We will also have some supplies on hand for those who become inspired during the tea.

Sunday, October 26, 2008, 10:30am - 2:30pm at the Hawthorne Hotel
The Mourning Tea is held at the Historic Hawthorne Hotel, a haunted hotel featured on the Sci Fi Channel's Ghost Hunters!

Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are $50 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 Mourning Tea, click to email Leanne Marrama or Sandra M. Power.