I love Halloween. I would love to share a bit of history about the holiday and share some links if you would like to read more.
Traditionally celebrated on October 31st (and sometimes November 1st) Samhain (pronounced SOW-en) is the anchient Celtic holiday which marks the end of summer and the last harvest and the beginning of the winter season. In modern traditions of Paganism, Druidism, Shamanism and Wicca it is still celebrated as both a celebratory holiday and a somber occasion to honor ones ancestors. People would dress in costumes to ward away bad spirits and light candles and leave food gifts for loved ones who have passed to guide them on their journey home. Samhain is believed to be the time of year when the veil between our world and the spirit world is the thinnest. Turnips and gourds were also carved to ward away negative energies and protect the homes.
Today, Samhain is seen as the Wiccan New Year and is a time representing death and rebirth. Many old Celtic traditions have been adapted by people of many religious backgrounds to celebrate this time of year, such as dressing up and the carving of pumpkins.
I hope you enjoyed this brief look into the history of Halloween. For more please check out the following links.
History.com
Wicca.com
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2 comments:
Thanks for the background history. I do remember reading about this a long time ago. I always forget how to pronounce Samhain. Thanks for reminding me. People do get the wrong idea about the holiday. Thinking it's all about devil worship. Fall was a time of honoring the Earth and the harvest. The history is very interesting.
Thank you, Lucy! I am glad you found it interesting. :) If you like learning about Halloween be sure to check out the links. They are very interesting :)
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