Being my curious self, I wanted to investigate the true meaning and understanding of Halloween.
As many of us know, the Western world celebrates Halloween on the 31st October. The main symbol is a jack oʼ lantern, carved out of a pumpkin with a scary looking face, usually lit up by a candle inside.
Our children dress up in ghostly outfits, go guising also known as trick or treating, talk about all things spooky and are rewarded with sweeties, and if theyʼre lucky some money. So when did all this begin?
Originally All Hallowsʼ Eve was a Christianised feast which celebrated Saints and martyrs.
This feast was influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, celebrating the last harvest of Autumn. These festivals had pagan roots and in particular, the Gaelic Samhain which marks the end of the harvest season.
Having pre Christian roots, Samhain is mentioned in the earliest Celtic literature in Scotland, where bonfires were lit because of their protective and cleansing powers.
Like the Beltane festival, Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when spirits and fairies could easily come into our world. Offerings of food and wine were left for them, ensuring livestock and people would be protected and survive the cold winter months.
The souls of the dead were thought to visit each house, so a place would be laid at the table for each deceased family member offering food and wine. It was a time to celebrate the dead with love and protection.
With this knowledge so far, I am not feeling fearful or spooked out?! At what stage did Halloween become scary and based on fear?
History
tells us that when Christianity came to Scotland, many people were
murdered because they were believed to be witches or worshiping devilish
pagan ways. We now have awareness that this was a propaganda campaign
to eradicate old Celtic traditions, allowing room for new Christian
worship. Celebrating the Samhain was viewed as an
evil practise which could cost you your life, so the introduction of All
Hallowsʼ Eve to celebrate Christian saints and martyrs replaced
Samhain. Pagan ways and worship became secretive and went underground. Anyone found to celebrate Samhain would be killed - now thatʼs scary. So, modern day Halloween is actually a celebration of our dead which pre dates Christianity, originates from Scotland and is based on our ancient pagan ways. Who would have thought a tiny country like Scotland, would have such a strong influence on how the world celebrates Halloween?
I may find myself offering food and wine this evening to my Celtic family and ancestors, wishing for a safe passage through winter and lower gas and electricity bills? Just a thought?!
Whatever you and your family choose to do this evening, have a spookily wonderful Halloween! And if you have family that have passed away, give them their place with a thought of love, thanks and a wee dram.....feeling gratitude on the inside will boost your energy on the outside, but thatʼs a whole other blog!
Even though my son is amid his teenage angst years, I still carve a pumpkin for his room.
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