Ceremonial Elements
Explore the elements of Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i ceremony.
Pū
The sounding of the pū, or Hawaiian conch shell, sanctifies the area and marks the commencement of the ceremony.
Shinnyo Taiko
The sound of the taiko calls people together. It is offered as a prayer for peace, with hope that people reach out in the spirit of creating harmony to support one another.
Oli
This Hawaiian chant calls the attention of all who are present to prepare their hearts to receive the importance of what will follow.
Hula
A visual portrayal of mele (song) or oli (chant) through dance. When the meaning of “Many Rivers, One Ocean” was shared with Hawaiian language scholar Puakea Nogelmeier, he wrote “Ka Lei Moana,” “The Encircling Garland of the Sea,” which has been shared at the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony each year since then. Take a moment to learn the meaning of this gift here.
Entrance of Guiding Lanterns
Six large Guiding Lanterns carry prayers for all spirits on behalf of all people. Prayers are offered for victims of war, water-related accidents, natural and manmade disasters, famine and disease. Gratitude is offered for all – even endemic, endangered and extinct plant and animal life. These lanterns are floated with the hope of encouraging harmony and peace.
Sharing of Light
Community leaders representing different areas of the Guiding Lanterns’ prayerful intent ceremonially draw light from a communal flame to symbolize bringing the light we all share back into our own communities.
Blessing and transformation
Her Holiness Shinso Ito offers a blessing of the ceremonial area, the lanterns, all who are being remembered, and all who are participating in person or from afar prior to the floating of lanterns.
Offering of food and water
This ritual symbolizes the offering of spiritual nourishment to the souls of those being remembered.
Shomyo
A fusion of traditional Buddhist chant and Western choral harmony.
Ringing of the Bell
The crystal clear sound of Her Holiness Shinso Ito’s bell focuses everyone’s thoughts and prayers and signifies that it is time to float the lanterns.
Floating of Lanterns
Lanterns are placed onto the water with wishes for the peace and happiness of loved ones past while unveiling courage and hope in the hearts of those in the present.