Lantern Floating Memorial - Peace Ceremony
One day, perhaps soon, I will travel to Hawaii for the Memorial Day Annual Latern Floating. I recently watched a video of the launching of this years floating laterns. It was magical. Peoples expressions were so profound - so many of the people, men, women, children, young and old people were softly weeping. There was something about the ritual of letting go and releasing ones feelings in these simple but beautiful laterns and placing them in the water and watching them float away with and releasing everything that needed to be released appeared to be very cathartic. The outpouring of love, calmness and peace that was captured. Watching the laterns floating and peoples tears and expressions of healing and hope was so moving and powerful!
Lantern Floating Memorial - Peace Ceremony, Hiroshima. Courtesy of Japan National Tourist Organization
when: Aug 2011 (annual)
where: Motoyasu River
During the Hiroshima Lantern Floating Memorial, thousands of cube-shaped paper lights float along the Motoyasu River to bring peace to the souls of the victims who died in the 1945 atomic bombing. The annual ritual promotes world peace.
Families gather along the banks of the river on the evening of the anniversary to launch decorated lanterns with their own personal messages inscribed. As the lanterns float downstream, the water shimmers and reflects the flickering lights, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and tranquillity.
Blessings! Rev. Qiyamah
Ruminations of the Soul reflects insights and conversations prompted by the authors diverse interests and innate curiosity about the world as a Unitarian Universalist minister, growing theologian, teacher, writer, activist/researcher and seeker.The blogger is a mystical humanist/child of the Universe on a path seeking to encounter the Sacred and Divine and to be of service to heal self and the world.
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