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A Pagan Memorial Day

A Pagan Memorial Day

Last updated on: May 21, 2015 at 12:46 pm by Jason Mankey

A Pagan Memorial Day 2015-05-21T12:46:16-06:00 Jason Mankey

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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’s a father of Memorial Day it’s American General John A. Logan who “ordered” the first celebration of the holiday in 1868:

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 . . . . . .

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’s gratitude, — the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Logan’s observance wasn’t 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 “Northern” 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.

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’s 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.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed by Congress in 1968 made Memorial Day a national holiday and changed the holiday’s 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.*

Today Memorial Day still serves as an opportunity to honor our war dead, but it’s also become the “unofficial start of Summer.” In some ways I think the “start of Summer” thing has overshadowed the holiday’s original purpose. Instead of taking a moment to remember those who gave their lives for liberty and freedom, Memorial Day often feels like it’s more about mattress sales and backyard barbecues.

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. “What is remembered, lives.”

A Memorial Day Rite

I’ve 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’t really have anything planned for that ritual, but felt like we as a coven should do something to commemorate Memorial Day. It’s 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’t need a big production.

You will need:
Three Candles
One Flower (or a bouquet of flowers)
One Vases for flowers

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

“In honor of lives and loves lost. So mote it be.”

Coven repeats “so mote it be.”

“We 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!”

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’t help but think of my Grandfather who served in World War II.

“We 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!”

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

“We light this third candle in honor of freedom and liberty. May the spirit of truth and justice bless all in this world.”

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

Now take the single flower (or bouquet) and place it in the vase while saying:

“In honor of lives and loves lost. May we ever remember. So mote it be.”

Coven then repeats “so mote it be.”

This little rite can be done as a group or individually. Just be sure to take a moment this Memorial Day weekend to say “thank you” to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Blessed Be!

*Well at least those who get three day weekends. At least 25% of Americans will be working this Memorial Day. Holidays in the United States have quickly become about the “haves” and “have nots” instead of a shared national experience. If you haven’t guessed, this pisses me off to no end.

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