The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half”, and is sometimes regarded as the “Celtic New Year“.
The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm. — wikipedia
Posted in: Internet Relationships, Spirituality
nothingprofound
November 1, 2010
Although I’m not a believer I find all these myths enchanting. Now I understand what Goethe meant when he said: “Superstition is the poetry of life.”
timethief
November 3, 2010
I like the tradition of honoring family members who have departed, which we do at Thanksgiving. I also identify with Samhain as marking the end of one year in terms of growth cycles and harvest and the beginning of another. And some of my ancestors were Celts.
Charlene
November 1, 2010
I have never heard it explained his way but I like it… Especially welcoming the good spirits. My father passed away recently and the last time I saw him in perfect health was last Thanksgiving. So I do kinda feel like I am welcoming him home as the leaves start to turn again….
timethief
November 3, 2010
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s a lovely sentiment Charlene and I’m glad it will have special meaning for you.
Lana
November 2, 2010
Some of our modern Halloween “rituals” (trick OR treat, dressing up, etc.,) actually seem to stem from the old Gray Mare rituals of Wales (and trust me, the old gray mare she AIN’T what she used to be!)
timethief
November 3, 2010
You at such a caution. lol :D I’m aging gracefully – don’t you know? ;)
Count Sneaky
November 3, 2010
I agree that Sahmain is better served as a marker of seasons or growth cycles, and remembering departed family members.. All Hallows or Halloween is for children to enjoy.
timethief
November 3, 2010
We all emjoy Halloween where I live – kids and adults alike.
Lynda Lehmann
November 3, 2010
And now, at least here on the streets of the East coast of the USA, it’s about egg-throwing and gorging on sweets and sometimes not-so-benign vandalism.
I agree with you in identifying with the tradition of honoring the deceased and recognizing growth cycles. Autumn is the most profound season in terms of visible changes in nature’s cycles, I think.
timethief
November 3, 2010
I agree that autumn is the season of profound change.
Native American Medicine Wheels
History and Meaning
black (west) … death … autumn – the final harvest, the end of life’s cycle
Introspection and intuition, the physical body, MANIFESTATION
Element = Earth
Funkkeejooce
November 5, 2010
In the religion I was raised with, we honour the dead around this time. We visit the graveyard, tend to it and then a prayer. It’s not a solemn ritual but a celebration of their life gone. I don’t practice this at all but in my heart and in my own way, I honour this day like my forefathers did by saying a prayer and remembering the departed souls.
Have a great weekend TT! :)
Baxter
November 8, 2010
This is an amazing tribute. I also love the poem and artwork. Yes this is an important time for reflecting the things that happened to our dearly departed and how their presence when they were alive did something to us. For me Halloween is like my own new Year. I am glad that you acknowledge your ancestors who were Celts.
shesboxingclever
November 14, 2010
Thanks for the pingback TT! It’s not often in my life that I come across people who understand the importance of Hallowe’en/Samhain in my life. IRL I often get chided for celebrating, being teased for “not being able to grow up”, but if people really knew the impact the season has on my family and closest friends they’d probably be celebrating themselves. It’s so much more than ghouls and goblins, and candy treats, it’s about celebrating heritage and ancestry, the past and the future, the here and now/the before and after. Yes, the profound change, in our household, it’s the basis for living. Some call us silly for making such a fuss, but we hold our traditions very dear and take them very seriously. (even if the kids still get most excited about the feast!) Thank you for helping me honour the season.