This white pumpkin is also known as a “ghost pumpkin.” It’s an apt name, for reasons that will become clearer as you read on.
Coming soon is the season of Samhain— a Gaelic festival to celebrate the end of harvest, usually celebrated from Oct. 31 to about Nov. 3. Samhain is considered a time when the veil between life and death thins and a good time for rituals honoring the dead.
With that in mind, I suggested to Michael that we carve a white pumpkin in honor of our beloved late dog, Riley, and all the other dogs we’ve had who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Riley left this world on Nov. 30 of last year, so the timing was right.
His response: a big smile and “I love the idea! I’ll carve if you draw it out.”
I think this is a beautiful way to honor the dead.
Why not carve a white pumpkin to honor your own loved ones? Here’s how:
♥ You can carve names, initials, hearts–loving thoughts–just nothing scary. Only loving symbols.
♥ Pick any size pumpkin you like. Carve what you think represents your feelings for your deceased loved ones.
(If you’ve got an altar honoring deceased ancestors, carve a small one for the altar.)
♥ Put photos of your loved one near the pumpkin.
♥ Insert a candle, and say a little prayer each time you light it.
♥ Enjoy their memory, celebrate their lives and know that you will meet again on the other side.
I’ll share a photo of our own pumpkin after we carve it. Carved pumpkins only last about a week, so we are waiting until later in the month to complete ours. But we talk about it all the time.
♥ ♥ ♥ As we head toward Samhain and the Day of the Dead, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my grief affirmations and the Guided Journal through Grief, both ways to honor the love we have for those who have made their transition. Beautiful, gentle, affordable at this tab.
Lisa Ricard Claro says
October 17, 2018 at 7:06 amDidn’t know about the meaning of a white pumpkin, but now that I do I’m pleased to say I have one on my front porch with the word “Welcome” on it.
We also had a Riley, many years ago. He was a Golden Retriever and such a wonderful pet companion. Broke our hearts when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We honored him by rescuing two Lab mixes, and both are now almost 13. There’s nothing like the love of a dog or cat. (We have one of those also—my Luna cat. She’s my writing muse.) 🙂
Carol Cassara says
October 17, 2018 at 7:09 amWhat a beautiful story. I think those of us who love dogs and rescue them really do have a special place in the universe. I can’t wait to carve ours–I am going to Sedona Saturday and won’t return til Thurs, but we will definitely be carving then! (I didn’t realize they go bad so quickly). Sending love to a fellow rescue dog person!
Shari Broder says
October 17, 2018 at 9:15 amLove this idea. Thanks for writing about it.
Carol Cassara says
October 17, 2018 at 1:26 pmIt’s a new one to me…and I am going to make it a tradition.
Diane says
October 17, 2018 at 11:20 amWhat a sweet, creative idea! I’m going to try to get my uber-creative kids to do it for me!
Carol Cassara says
October 17, 2018 at 1:26 pmI know, I love it, too! Michael will carve for me.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski says
October 17, 2018 at 10:49 pmI had never heard of the white pumpkin idea. That’s really sweet.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…October in Los Angeles is When Goblins and Spirits Come Out to Play
Suzie says
October 22, 2018 at 1:39 amI really like this idea – I didn’t know white pumpkins could be used like this… I have a few fur babies that have crossed the rainbow bridge and I’m going to do one for them!
Laurie Stone says
October 22, 2018 at 8:49 amNever knew about this, but what a beautiful tradition. If I see one, I’ll display it in honor of my dearly beloved father.
Laurie Stone recently posted…Spying in the Coffee Shop
Linda Hobden says
October 22, 2018 at 12:19 pmWhat a lovely idea! I’ve never actually seen or heard of a white pumpkin before – I have only seen the bright orange ones in the supermarket.
Linda Hobden recently posted…Introducing Alphabetville
Rachael Stray says
October 22, 2018 at 1:51 pmWhat a fabulous idea!
Lee Gaitan says
October 22, 2018 at 2:22 pmWhat a lovely idea. I’m so drawn to these white pumpkins…and I wonder if this was the reason.
Ellen @ If It Brings You Joy says
October 22, 2018 at 5:45 pmLove this idea! My dad passed this year so I’m going to be on the lookout for a white pumpkin this week. I was gifted large, very pretty sounding chimes that remind me of him every time I hear them. Auditory and visual remembrances are such a great way to keep memories alive. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer says
October 23, 2018 at 4:25 pmWhat a lovely idea…for another year when we won’t be moving smack in the middle of it all!
Jody says
October 24, 2018 at 5:56 amWhat an absolutely lovely idea! I am going out to get one today!
Flossie McCowald says
November 13, 2018 at 5:44 pmThis is such a beautiful idea! Thank you so much for enlightening us on this tradition. We had a Dia de los Muertos party at church this year, and we always hold a Service of Remembrance near All Saints’ Day, but I love this additional layer of thinking about the thin line between life and death, between those who are no longer with us and the memories of them that live on.