By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) —They came from all parts of the island and beyond. Over 50,000 attendants from various cultures and traditions dedicated their Memorial Day to participate in the Lantern Floating Hawaii 2014 ceremony. This year, 6,000 candle-lit lanterns were set afloat from Magic Island in remembrance of loved ones who have passed, or as symbolic prayer for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony also remembered those who have passed due to various causes afflicting humanity throughout the world.
All photos Courtesy of Shinnyo-En Hawaii
Themed “Many Rivers, One Ocean,” the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony gathered those of all backgrounds to offer a collective experience of warmth, compassion and understanding. The subtheme for this year’s ceremony was “Friendship.”
All photos Courtesy of Shinnyo-En Hawaii
The 90-minute ceremony and program included performances by Mākaha Sons and the Shinnyo-en Shomyo and Taiko Ensembles. The event was lead by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, Head of Shinnyo-en, who addressed the audience and expressed a message of love and understanding. The event continued with the lighting of the Light of Harmony. After the lighting, the lanterns were set afloat onto the waters of Ala Moana Beach by the general public and volunteers. The atmosphere of the event was one of spirituality and many in attendance openly cried in remembrance of their loved ones. Others hugged and kissed their lanterns before setting them free to join the rest of the floating lights.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, as in past years, all lanterns were collected from the ocean and restored for use in the upcoming years.
All photos Courtesy of Shinnyo-En Hawaii
The first Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony was held at Ke‘ehi Lagoon on Memorial Day 1999 and has grown each year in response to community demand.
Aloha Foundation have nurtured the community event as a vehicle for cross-cultural cooperation, understanding, harmony and peace, which engages hundreds of volunteers and tens of thousands of participants annually.
For more information:
All photos Courtesy of Shinnyo-En Hawaii