Celebrating All Hallow's Eve.
Volume II, Issue 1

       Halloween!! Welcoming in Winter with a feast of the dead. Every year around October 31st the sight of goblins, ghosts and witches is a common sight. Adults and Children alike done their favorite costume for this ghoulish night. But exactly how did halloween start? Where did it all begin; and what is the meaning of its name?
       Over the years this holiday has been known by many names. Each civilization that exsisted has celebrated it in their own way. In this article we'll take a look at how halloween came to be and how a few countries and spiritual paths celebrate it.
       Halloween's, name applies to the evening of October 31, preceding the Christian feast of Hallowmas, Allhallows, or All Saints' Day. The observances connected with Halloween are thought to have originated among the ancient Druids, who believed that on that evening, Saman, the lord of the dead, called forth hosts of evil spirits. The Druids customarily lit great fires on Halloween, apparently for the purpose of warding off all these spirits.
       The Celt's also have a tradition of lighting fires on Halloween. Among the ancient Celts, Halloween was the last evening of the year and was regarded as a propitious time for examining the portents of the future. The Celts also believed that the spirits of the dead revisited their earthly homes on that evening. After the Romans conquered Britain, they added to Halloween features of the Roman harvest festival held on November 1 in honor of Pomona, goddess of the fruits of trees.
       The Celtic tradition of lighting fires on Halloween survived until modern times in Scotland and Wales, and the concept of ghosts and witches is still common to all Halloween observances. Traces of the Roman harvest festival survive in the custom, prevalent in both the United States and Great Britain, of playing games involving fruit, such as ducking for apples in a tub of water. Of similar origin is the use of hollowed-out pumpkins carved to resemble grotesque faces and lit by candles placed inside.
       Samhain (pronounced sow-inn), also goes by the name Halloween. This is our time of endings and our time of beginnings, so at Samhain, we celebrate the New Year. This is a quieter time, a time when the veil between worlds is thin andthe spirits may pass more easily.
       At Mabon, the God Lugh died in order for us to live through His abundance. During the intervening time, He has gathered the spirits of those that have died over the year and waits for this night so that they may pass through the gate to the other side. This is the time to revere our ancestors and to say farewell to those that have passed this last year. It is also a time of divination.
       The abundance of the fields now gives way to the power and strength of the Horned God of the Hunt. This begins a time of darkness. From now until Yule, the days grow darker and colder. Winter storms begin to sweep down from the north. This time is the barer of many destructive forces. Yet at Samhain, we celebrate the passed year and the year to come. We light bonfires and perform rituals to honor our deceased loved ones. Many Halloween traditions stem from Samhain.
       The wearing of scary costumes was originally used to scare away those souls that may mean harm. Yet in spite of the costume, the spirits that know you will still be able to find you and visit. The jack-o-lantern was another means of scaring away hostile spirits, the candle within a beckoning light to those that you wish to welcome.
       In Mexico, Halloween is called Dia De Los Muertos or Day of The Dead. This holiday is actually a grand celebration of life whose origin pre dates the Spanish conquest of Mexico. It is a time of rejoicing and commemorating the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
       From mid-October through the first week of November, markets and shops all over Mexico are replete with the special accouterments for the Dia de Muertos. This included everything from toy skeletons to intricate tissue paper cut-outs called papel picado; They make elaborate wreaths and decorate crosses with paper or silk flowers; candles and votive lights; fresh seasonal flowers, particularly marigolds and cockscomb. Among the edible goodies offered are skulls, coffins and the like made from sugar, chocolate or amaranth seeds and special baked goods, notably sugary sweet rolls called pan de muerto that come in various sizes invariably topped with bits of dough shaped like bones and, in some regions, unadorned dark breads molded into humanoid figures called animas or souls.
       At home members of the family use the purchases to elaborate an altar as an offering to honor the deceased relatives, decorating it with papel picado, candles, flowers, and photographs of the departed loved one. Candy skulls inscribed with the name of the deceased, and a selection of his or her favorite foods and beverages were also included.
       The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home and should be provided with an enticing repast and adequate sustenance for the journey. Frequently a wash basin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast. The offering may also include a pack of cigarettes for the after-dinner enjoyment of former smokers, or a selection of toys and extra sweets for deceased children.
       In most localities November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos or little angels. Those who have died as adults are honored November 2nd. Also November 2nd family members gather at the cemetery for gravesite reunions more festive than somber. Some bring along picnic baskets, bottles of tequila for toasting the departed or even a mariachi band to lead a heartfelt sing-along. Local merchants set up provisional stands outside the cemetery gates to sell food and drinks.
       As you can see Halloween has a common thread in all these traditions and beliefs. It is a day of remembering, a day of feasting, and a day we can reach out with our hearts and be with them once again. May you have a wonderful holiday.

Written by Sacredwriter1