As my long time readers know I think Halloween is pretty much the the most fun holiday of all. But it also has some very solemn meanings as a part of it's origins. I recently bought some old crochet pattern books and this fell out of one of them, i picked it up so no one would think I am a litterbug. It had been in my jacket pocket patiently waiting for me to read it.
Have no idea who wrote it.
My early memories of Halloween are actually are as much about friends and family, as they are about Trick or Treating.
Just as Oct 31st has many names there are many ways to celebrate this day many call Halloween. All Hallows Eve, Samhain, even Halloween and it extends over 3 days with the celebration of All saints day, All Hallows,or Hallow's Mass on November 1st and And concluding with All Souls day,sometime called the Commemoration of the faithful Departed on November 2nd. Dia de Los Muertos is also celebrated on Nov1-2.
Then as now it's a time to think about and honor our ancestors, whether we knew them or not. My very personal feeling is that everyone who has gone on before me is my ancestor and whatever part the had in making the world a better place should be honored. The veil is thin. Be mindful of the good things that have happened in the past year, and future dreams.
Past, experiences and future plans mingle at this time of year, this was the time when the old year faded into the new, it would seem this is a better time for that than the depths of winter frozen landscape to make merry and be social.
Costumes were not always based on shock and horror themes, the "old wives tale" told was that you choose your costume according to how you wanted the year to unfold for you.
A costume still can be spooky as the song says "life's no good with out a good scare".
Samhain is a time to reflect on the past year and welcome the new one. It’s a time for introspection, joy, and thoughtful blessings. Samhain blessings are meaningful words that can be shared with loved ones or said by yourself. They often have themes of gratitude, remembering the past, and looking forward to the future. You can think of these blessings as being more than just words. They are sparks that ignite spiritual connection, grounding us in the present while connecting us to our past and future. Celebrating Samhain with children is a wonderful way to bring families closer together. You can decorate your family table with fall fruits such as apples, acorn squash, and pumpkins, leaves and nuts, orange and black candles, pictures of your grandparents and objects that reflect your family ancestry. You can also create a gratitude altar for thankfulness rituals. To use the altar, write down all of the things you are thankful for. Light the candles and some frankincense incense, place the list under the crystal, and place an offering in the bowl to show your appreciation. Food, honey, or flowers are all good offerings. Sit, meditate, and be happy for all of the good things in your life. Sure, I can tell you more about Samhain and its rituals and traditions. Samhain is a pagan festival that celebrates the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, also known as the “dark half of the year”. It is also considered the spiritual new year for some modern pagans, who believe that this is a time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing for communication and connection with ancestors and spirits.
Some of the rituals and traditions that are commonly practiced during Samhain are:
Ancestor veneration: This involves honoring and remembering the deceased loved ones by setting up altars, offering food and drink, lighting candles, and saying prayers or blessings for them. Some people also visit graves or cemeteries to pay their respects.
Divination: This involves using various methods such as tarot cards, runes, pendulums, scrying, or dreams to seek guidance or insight from the spirit world. Some people also use this time to make predictions or set intentions for the coming year.
Costume dressing: This involves dressing up as animals, monsters, or other characters to disguise oneself from the spirits or to honor them. Some people also wear masks or face paint to symbolize transformation or change.
Bonfire celebrations: This involves gathering around a fire to celebrate the harvest, ward off evil spirits, and purify oneself. Some people also jump over the fire or throw objects into it as a form of releasing or renewing.
Feasting: This involves preparing and sharing a meal with family and friends to celebrate the bounty of the season and express gratitude for the gifts of nature. Some people also leave a plate of food for the spirits or the ancestors as a sign of respect and hospitality.
These are some of the ways that people celebrate Samhain, but there are many more variations and possibilities depending on one’s personal beliefs and preferences. Samhain is a time to honor the cycle of life and death, connect with one’s roots and heritage, and embrace the mysteries of the dark. I hope this helps you understand more about this ancient and sacred festival.
Learn more:Halloween is a fun and festive occasion that can also be a time to express gratitude for the many things that make life enjoyable and meaningful. Here are some things that one should be grateful for on Halloween:
Candy: Halloween is a great opportunity to indulge in some sweet treats and share them with others. Whether you prefer chocolate, gummy, or sour candies, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Candy can also bring back happy memories of childhood and make you feel like a kid again.
Costumes: Halloween is a chance to dress up as anything you want and unleash your creativity and imagination. You can be a superhero, a villain, a fairy, or a monster. You can also admire the costumes of other people and appreciate their efforts and originality.
Pumpkins: Halloween is not complete without pumpkins. They are not only delicious and nutritious, but also fun to carve and decorate. You can make jack-o-lanterns, lanterns, or sculptures out of pumpkins and light them up at night. You can also roast the seeds or make pies, soups, or breads out of the flesh.
Friends and family: Halloween is a time to spend with your loved ones and enjoy their company. You can go trick-or-treating, watch scary movies, tell ghost stories, or play games together. You can also express your gratitude for their support, love, and friendship.
Spooky fun: Halloween is a time to embrace the dark side of life and have some spooky fun. You can visit haunted houses, graveyards, or corn mazes and experience the thrill of fear and excitement. You can also learn about the history and folklore of Halloween and its origins in ancient Celtic traditions.
These are some of the things that one should be grateful for on Halloween, but there are many more. Halloween is a celebration of life in all its diversity and complexity. It is a reminder that there is beauty and joy in every season and every moment. Happy Halloween
