lfablót, Samhain, Calan Gaeaf, Pooky Night or even plain old Hallowe'en, whatever you call this festival—if you celebrate it, what exactly is your practice? This festival means different things to different people; there's no right or wrong way to observe it, it’s whatever you feel is right.
For many, this is simply a time for children to dress up and go door to door 'trick or treating,' usually without any knowledge of the meaning or history behind the custom. In essence, 'Trick or Treat' is now a cheerful, commercialised, and distilled version of centuries of traditions. Others might attend costume parties, equally unaware of the celebrations' deep roots.
The celebration's origins are primarily based on the ancient Celtic New Year, which marked the end of summer, the conclusion of the harvest, and the beginning of the dark, cold winter. Crucially, it is also one of the points of the year when the veil between worlds is the thinnest.
Recently, while looking through my many blog posts, I realised I have only ever written about this festival once in all the years, and even then, it was a social observation, not a personal reflection.
My practice at this time of year is deeply personal, reflective, and very moving. It's true that in the past, we hosted some brilliant parties, mainly for the kids, but there was always a later time for quiet reflection. I spend time giving thanks to my ancestors. I remember those who are no longer with us in this world and give offerings to venerate my lineage. If I can, I light a small fire, light a candle and incense, and speak a few dedicated words. In recent years, I’ve made a more conscious effort to perform this ritual, ensuring I remember and honour those who came before.
However you celebrate, if you do, I wish you and your ancestors good blessings on this night.
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We don't celebrate it at all but I like your idea of quiet reflection and giving thanks for our ancestors.
ReplyDeleteI don't do all the commercialised rubbish and I'm not really a fan of the trick or treating. For me its a very personal time of reflection.
DeleteSamhain blessings to you and yours! And Happy Halloween too! One of the Samhain things I do is remember those who have passed on in the preceding year. I'm at that age now where I seem to go to more and more funerals every year. I've got another one on Monday to go to. Another friend gone.
ReplyDeleteIts kind of what my last post was about. I too use this time to remember the recently passed. Sorry to hear about your friend.
DeleteTo me October 31st has as much meaning as October 30th and November 1st. Just another day. I find the Americanised hype that surrounds Halloween most distasteful but I respect your quiet reflection and the lighting of a meaningful candle.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Captain KIrt - I just needed to let you know that the word INTELLIGENT is spelt incorrectly in your blog header. I will not mind at all if you delete this comment.
DeleteI changed the banner last year and obviously made a mistake. Thanks for pointing it out, I'll fix it at the weekend. 👍
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