Samhain is also known as Halloween, Ancestor Night, Feast of the Dead, All Hallows Eve, Hallowmass, Samana, Samonuos, The Feast of Dam-fuim, Geimhreadh, Shadow fest (Strega), Matinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic)
Samhain (Sow-in) marked the beginning of the old Celtic new year and many Celtic Pagans still observe Samhain as the renewal of the Wheel of the Year.
This was the night that the old God died, returning to the Land of the Dead to await rebirth at Yule, and a time when the Crone Goddess would go into morning for her lost son/consort, leaving her people in temporary darkness.
As in days long past, Celtic Pagans believe that the veil between the world of the living and that of the dead is at its thinnest on this night allowing the spirits of our departed loved ones walk the earth to visit family and friends and join in the ritual celebrations. This makes Samhain a prime night for any type spirit contact rituals.
The feeding of the dead is a widespread practice, even in modern Celtic lands. In Brittany and Ireland food is always left out for these spirit travelers, and candles are placed in the windows to guide them on their way. These appear to be the origins of the modern Halloween customs of jack o’ lanterns and trick or treat.
For many Samhain represents the New year and is a time for making resolutions.
Colors: Orange and Black
2 comments:
The night when the spriits go a walking among us. Now I know why I don't keep the light on outside. LOL
And I thought those minature ghosts and goblins that are always making tracks to my door were the "spirits" :)
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