More than 40,000 people gathered together at Ala Moana Beach on Memorial Day to remember their loved ones, reflect on memories and honor those who have gone before us.
Brooke Lindahl, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Arizona said, “The overall ceremony was better than I imagined. I made sure to get front and center so I could really experience the full effect. Not to mention I liked how the main lady sang and talked about why we have the ceremony.”
The lanterns are placed into the water to bring peace, happiness, courage, and hope into the hearts of the people who attended the ceremony.
Alexis Bowels, sophomore majoring in social work from California said, “I went because I thought it would be a good experience. I liked it because it was very touching and emotional. Being able to see all of the lanterns floating in the water that represented all of the fallen soldiers made me realize we will never be able to thank all of those enough who have given their lives for our country. It made me empathetic towards the families who lost their loved ones.”
The lanterns are not only for servicemen and women who have passed away, but also for deceased citizens.
Reflecting on the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, McKenzie Messick, a senior majoring in elementary education from California said, “A moment that was special to me was when I got to light and send off my lantern. Not only did I think about my ancestors that have fought for my freedom, but just two weeks ago, I lost my aunt Kelly so it was nice to think of her and light a candle in her memory.”
Messick continued, “I wanted to go because I saw pictures and heard about it last year, and I thought it would be a really cool experience. I think it’s a great way to celebrate Memorial Day.”
According to lanternfloatinghawaii.com, this special ceremony began back in 1999 on Memorial Day when Her Holiness Shinso Ito, who is the head priest of Shinyo-en, officiated the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony to create a place where everyone can come together to remember their loved ones and strengthen as a community as people reach out and support each other.
The first ceremony was held at Ke’ehi Lagoon in Honolulu for three years and then moved to Ala Moana beach in 2002, according to lanternfloatinghawaii.com.
Before the ceremony began, the observers had the opportunity to get a free lantern from the event staff. There were three spaces available on the lantern for the participants to write words to the ones they have lost.
At approximately 6 p.m., the Pū was sounded, a conch shell that sanctifies the area and marks the start of the ceremony. Next came the Shinnyo Taiko, which was another sound that called the people together and is used as a prayer for peace.
The Oli, a Hawaiian chant, began shortly after and is used to prepare the hearts of the attendees to understand the importance of this ceremony, according to lanternfloatinghawaii.com. A hula performance was also a feature.
After this performance, the main lanterns entered. The six main lanterns are used to carry the prayers for all spirits on behalf of everyone present, according to lanternfloatinghawaii.com. Community leaders of different religions come together to light the Light of Harmony, symbolizing the unity of the diverse community.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito then offered a blessing to all of those who were being remembered that day. The offering of the food and water symbolized the spiritual nourishment to the souls being remembered according to lanternfloatinghawaii.com.
The strewing of flower petals symbolized love and respect that everyone present offered to their loved ones. The shomyo, which is a traditional Buddhist chant, occurred shortly after. The ringing of the bell chimed through the audience as it signified the start of the floating lanterns.