Autumn displays: Remembrance and reflection at the Hospice

This autumn, Hospice in the Weald will set up different displays in the Quiet Room at Pembury to mark the many festivals taking place during the season. Visitors will have the chance to light a candle, tie a ribbon, or leave a prayer or message as their personal way of remembrance.  

What makes autumn special? 

In ancient times, the end of October and beginning of November marked the end of the productive year, and the beginning of the dark period that is winter. A celebration marked the time and helped prepare people for the long, dark months ahead. A passing from a time of light to a time of darkness but with the holding of light within the darkness and the hope of spring to come. 

As time passed, different cultures absorbed the festival and adapted it to their own ends. As a result of this adaption, we see people acknowledge the period in very different ways, and for very different reasons. There are now multiple festivals taking place at this time, all of which carry their own traditions and focuses. 

Remembering those who have died 

While it doesn’t feature in the three-day Allhallowtide, Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday in November is another worldwide day set aside to honour all those who have died in war. 

A time of celebration  

Those who celebrate Halloween may go trick or treating and wear masks or disguises. Families in Mexico have traditionally gathered for ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead) on 1st-2nd November to celebrate and commune with their ancestors – a joyful holiday with separate origins and unique traditions. 

Some people in Britain might not know where the All Hallows Eve (Halloween) celebrations come from although they have Celtic, pre-Christian roots, but the event has taken on entirely different meanings as it has travelled the world. In Japan, it is celebrated as a big street party with extravagant costumes and no reference to trick or treating, or even the dead. 

Notable dates 

While some of the key dates have been touched upon already, there is a lot to get into when it comes to fully understanding the background and reasons for the many festivals at this time of the year. The below list outlines the upcoming autumn events the Hospice will be recognising: 

Reflect with the Hospice 

People choose to acknowledge this time of year in different ways, but it commonly marks a time of renewal. The harvest is in, and the fields will sit fallow for the dark winter months while we prepare for the coming spring and a new year. At the Hospice, we want to be there for our community who wish to remember and reflect. 

Members of the Chaplaincy Team will be nearby our Quiet Room to offer support during the Allhallowtide period, with a 1pm Gathering each day from 31st October-2nd November, focusing on honouring those who have died and cherishing their memory. 

For Remembrance Sunday there will be a poppy themed focus in the Quiet Room on 7th November, and a Diwali Festival of Light focus table. For Interfaith Week from 12th November, a selection of world religions will be focused on in the daily 1pm Gathering, again in the Quiet Room.