WEAVING SPIDERS

The main July event is famous for its "Lakeside Talks" informal policy speeches given by prominent figures and theatrical performances like the Cremation of Care ceremony and the Grove Play, which is traditionally performed on the final weekend of the encampment.

The Bohemian Grove owl effigy is a 40-foot hollow concrete structure, designed by sculptor Haig Patigian, serving as a shrine at the edge of a lake in Monte Rio, California. It is the centerpiece of the "Cremation of Care" ceremony, a theatrical, dramatic ritual performed annually by members of the elite Bohemian Club to symbolically burn an effigy representing "dull cares" or worldly worries, thus kicking off their two-week summer encampment.

Key Details About the Owl Effigy & Ritual: The Symbol: The owl symbolizes wisdom and is the mascot of the Bohemian Club, founded in 1872. The club's motto, "Weaving Spiders Come Not Here," is associated with it, indicating that outside business and politics should not be discussed. The Ceremony: The "Cremation of Care" involves hooded figures in robes performing a ceremony involving music, fireworks, and the burning of a human-shaped effigy at the base of the statue. Participants & History: Often attended by high-ranking politicians, businessmen, and artists, the ceremony has been a tradition since the late 19th century. While often surrounded by conspiracy theories, the event is primarily viewed by participants as a theatrical, boisterous bonding ritual, notes. Origins: The ritual was devised around 1881, and while some observers have likened it to ancient, dark rituals, it is described by participants as a theatrical, cathartic event.

Every Halloween there are a bunch of bohemian nutcases who congregate in Leekville Cemetery, in a weed-filled grove known as "The Bohemian Graveyard". They have pizza delivered from The Leaning Tower of Pizza and dance around a giant effigy of a vulture while wearing sheets over their heads. During this crazy ceremony they try contacting Ghosts with a Squeegee Board. Total bunch of lunatics!