Speaking Ill of the Dead

In a recent discussion about old traditions, this one came up.  It came up specifically to have a crack at me because I’d dared to say that someone recently deceased “could be a twat at times”.  I’m sure, if you didn’t already see it, you can imagine the shock and disgust this has raised - but has left me rather baffled on many levels.  And not just because of the primary school tale-telling shit-stir way it was raised and treated.

You see, I never heard this expression until my late teens.  Both my grandmothers were absolute bounties of superstitions and folk traditions, but I first heard this from a friend’s mother and my response at the time was “why on earth not?”

I have never been able to stomach those people who can’t stand someone when they’re alive but turn them into a saint on their passing.  I’ve ended a friendship with a young lady who barely tolerated her partner, they fought (sometimes with physical violence) and she frequently ran him down - all while he was alive.  After his suicide, even up to a year afterwards (which was roughly when I broke contact), it was true love and she just couldn’t possibly carry on living without him.

The people since that I’ve heard it from usually say it as they say something unkind about someone who has passed.  “Shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but…”  Is that better somehow?  I’ve understood it to be similar to those who say “I don’t want to complain but…”  I’m reminded of a line from Game of Thrones:  “Anything that anyone says before the word ‘but’ is to be ignored.”

I’ve always treated the dead the same as I treat the living.  This isn’t news.  This is the best way to deal with ghosts and spirits.  Any half-decent psychic will tell you that.  Why should this suddenly change?

I also struggled with how describing someone’s behaviour counts as Speaking Ill of Them.  I didn’t say anything that was untrue from my perspective, I didn’t even say anything remotely nasty.  It was described as “extremely disparaging” and “an epithet”.  I still maintain that was for dramatic effect from the people running around, telling on me and trying to create drama.

In my bafflement, I went to several people I knew who have a good solid grounding and knowledge of the same folk traditions as the people expressing their shock and horror at my statement.  I spoke to them about this ‘tradition’, I asked questions and explained what had happened and my confusion.

In all cases, I was told that you continue to speak to them as you did in life.  That you speak to and of them as if they were right next to you.  Which is exactly what I did.

So all of this has left me even more baffled.  I followed folk tradition to the letter - albeit unknowingly - because this is what I believe in.  Do those who claim to follow folk tradition have less of a grasp of it? Or has it changed with more politically correct times?

The chap in question is more than welcome to come and speak to me about it.  I have no issues regarding communicating with the deceased, but he hasn’t so far and I’m sure he’s aware of it. 

Blessings

Debbie

Cauldrons 2014 PaganFest

Another PaganFest has come and gone and a good time was had by all.

Our few minor venue issues were sorted, Luana made it after all (with a little help) and everything went smoothly.

Big thanks to everyone who came along - especially our rather large North Island contingent.

Big thanks to Houngan Liam, Houngan Alistair and all the rest of the crew from Kiwi Mojo.  We really appreciated the time, effort and money you put into just getting there.  The ritual was phenomenal and it was nice to genuinely meet the Lwa who put in an appearance - as well as being something I will never forget.

Big thanks to Gavin the Druid for the lovely opening ceremony and Sunday night ritual.  And for being part of our 'tribe', all the way down here, a long way from where he actually lives.

Many big thanks to Dobby, and Mr Dobby and little Miss Dobby.  Just for being them.

It was our first drama free PaganFest.  No big egos stomping on others and no drama queens causing situations.  It was quite refreshing and something that I'm hoping will continue in future events.

That said, it is already getting back to me that there were issues.  I haven't found the source of these rumours and trouble-making yet, but let me assure you, they're simply the products of someone's imagination and need for drama.

Here's to another one next year!

Blessings

Debbie

PS.  Normally, when we ask for donations for a charity, there are small bits and bobs.  The donations that came in for the animals have left us humbled.  Big bags of expensive cat and dog biscuits.  Large boxes of kitten food.  Even from those who were day visitors.  A huge thank you to all who contributed.