Seventeen years ago, the Natural Death Care Centre (NDCC) saw the need for a non-religious, community ceremony to remember and honour those loved ones who have died.
Members of the NDCC and friends came together and held the first Day of the Dead ceremony and event in Heritage Park, Mullum.
All are welcome to this year’s Day of the Dead celebrations, to be held from 3 to 5pm on Sunday, October 29, at the fig trees, Heritage Park, Mullumbimby.
Celebrant and Deathwalker, Zenith Virago facilitates the event, and says, ‘Over those 17 years, hundreds of people have come with their photos, mementos, even the ashes of their families and friends.
Healing journey
‘This year, so many people have not been able to be with their loved ones, either when they died, or at the funeral ceremony. Coming together into the collective is a powerful step in the healing journey of loss’.
She says that although it has the same name as the South American celebration, ‘this is a uniquely Australian cultural experience, open to any religion, spirituality, belief or culture’.
‘It’s an opportunity to celebrate and create positive social and cultural change. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to death and bereavement in a gentle and positive way’.
Artist Sam Collyer will also be on hand ‘to inspire, guide and help with her organically themed and sustainable creativity’.
‘You are invited and encouraged to bring photographs or a special something for the shrine, as well as writing messages for loved ones. Bring a blanket, or chair, if it is a sunny day, bring a hat’.
Zenith will conduct an inclusive ceremony of ‘love and remembrance’ at 4pm, accompanied by the Biggest Little Town Choir.
‘Children are welcome, but please keep them with you during the ceremony’.
Zenith adds, ‘We offer this day towards healing and acceptance. Death is the natural and sacred end of our lives, those we love are always a part of our lives as they continue to live on in our hearts.’
For more info, visit www.naturaldeathcarecentre.org or their Facebook page.
