Lantern Floating Ceremony, May 25
Every Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2009 this year, at 6:30 p.m.) thousands of people gather at Ala Moana Beach Park for the Lantern Floating Ceremony.
The ceremony is led by Her Holiness Keishu Shinso, the spiritual head of Shinnyo-en, and remembers those who gave their lives in conflict, reflects on the memories of loved ones and dedicates prayers for a peaceful and harmonious future. Just as the waters of the Pacific merge with each ocean, so the wish for peace and happiness extends out from Hawaii across the globe.
Everyone is invited to take part. The Lantern Floating is free and open to all regardless of nationality, race, faith or lifestyle. Each personal experience adds to the healing and transformative power of the event.
Read more about the event here.
That is incredibly beautiful. It must be a moving sight to see!
Vera
Gorgeous. wish I could be there!
Beautiful photo! We have something similar to this in Jamaica Plan, Mass., too. I’m hoping to attend this year.
Is that your photo? Nice shot.
Not my photo — I agree, it’s beautiful. It looks like a very moving, lovely ceremony, doesn’t it?
Leslie
I am a long time resident of Hawaii and have attended the lantern ceremony, but it held a special meaning for me last year. I had just lost my only sibling (brother) and was having a difficult time of acceptance. I went to the ceremony with the intention of letting his spirit go and when I did, it gave me the peace I was looking for.
Bonnie, what a wonderful tribute to your brother. Thank you for sharing your touching story. May others find peace this year, as you did last year.
[...] looking for information about the Memorial Day lantern ceremony held at Ala Moana Beach Park. (We wrote about it here.) It’s an annual ceremony where people release lit lanterns in the ocean in memory of loved [...]