If anyone had asked me in the past if I liked autumn, I’d probably have said yes. And I do love the colours—the deep browns and fiery oranges are beautiful. Plus, Halloween is the one time of year when everyone else decorates their houses with the sort of stuff we keep on display year-round. What’s not to like?
Then again, autumn usually brings the damp and the drizzle. It’s getting darker as the nights draw in, and of course, it's getting colder.
Autumn is really about preparing for the long winter ahead. It’s an important, meaningful time—as the veil between realms grows thinner, I find myself drawn to working with Hel and Arawn. It isn’t just a time for cheap thrills or dressing up as vampires and ghosts (though I do enjoy the spectacle). It’s a sacred opportunity to honour our ancestors: to speak their names, tell their stories, and let them live on through us.
But important doesn't always mean pleasant.
Especially as I’ve gotten older, I struggle with this time of year. I miss the light. I much prefer the rebirth of spring and feel a far closer connection to Cernunnos, finding him to be a much brighter, cheerful presence to walk alongside.
And don't get me started on the modern obsession with pumpkins! The oversized orange squash is a relatively recent transatlantic import to our shores. Most of the commercialised traditions we observe today are fairly fresh arrivals from across the pond. When I was a kid, we didn't have easy-to-carve pumpkins—we carved our Jack-o'-lanterns out of turnips, risking a broken spoon and a bruised thumb in the process!
On a final, unrelated note, I can't let the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster pass without mentioning it. For those who might not be aware, back in October 1966, a waterlogged colliery spoil tip collapsed and slid down into the Welsh village of Aberfan, engulfing Pantglas Junior School. It claimed 144 lives, including 116 children. It’s a grief the community still carries to this day. The thought of it always fills me with immense sadness—not just because of my love for Wales, but simply because it remains one of the most heartbreaking tragedies imaginable.
The spirit of the Urban Viking—and the occasional absurdity of navigating the modern world—lives on in my webcomic, Northman. 
You can read the latest chapter here:
I am not a fan of Halloween Kirt - nor all the plastic crap that is sold ahead of October 31st. When I were a lad growing up in East Yorkshire, Halloween really was not a thing compared with Bonfire Night. Now it seems to be the other way round.
ReplyDeleteLast night (Oct 20th) I watched Victoria Derbyshire on "Newsnight" interviewing three survivors of the Aberfan tragedy. It was a very moving and tender programme but there was lasting bitterness there as well. You might be able to catch it on BBC i-Player.
Halloween is a comercial venture now, there's little to no money in bonfire night so big business targets the former. What is known as Halloween is a sacred time for some but I'm not about to tell people how to live and have fun.
DeleteI saw the piece you mention, it was a hard watch. I feel for the lost generation, the ones left behind and those with survivor guilt.
Such young lives, so cruelly snuffed out long before their time.
ReplyDeleteI really feel for all those affected, even though it happened so long ago.
DeleteIt was a shocking disaster at the time and still rings down today, the suffocating coal heap that slid down to engulf all those children and adults.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't around when it happened but I can still feel the power of the disaster.
DeleteWhile in recent decades we too (in Sweden) have imported some of the Halloween traditions with pumpkin lanterns and trick-or-treating etc, it's still more of a solemn "All Saints" holiday here, including visiting, decorating and lighting candles on family graves.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad older ways are still prevalent in your country.
DeleteSuch a horrible tragedy. I am not a fan of Halloween at all, but I love Autumn. Halloween is too often associated with evil, and sadly, (and not sure it is because of Halloween, although I am sure it doesn't help), black cats are abused and considered evil, and are one of the last cats to be adopted. I find this very sad. I have had 3 black cats in my lifetime. I will be 70 later this month, and each one was sweet and gentle.
ReplyDeleteSorry to ramble, just wanted to share my thoughts.
Thank you for sharing, dear friend, and I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!
Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts—it’s always lovely to connect with you.
DeleteAutumn is such a wonderful season of transition. I also couldn't agree more with you about black cats. It is heartbreaking that old superstitions still affect them, when in reality they are the most gentle, affectionate little souls. Having shared your life with three of them, you know first hand just how sweet they are!
My own view of this time of year comes from an older tradition. For me, it isn't about the monsters, evil, or the plastic tat pushed by modern commercialism. It’s simply a quiet season when we feel closest to the memory of our ancestors and family who are no longer with us—a time for reflection, honour, and remembering loved ones.
Wishing you a very happy 70th birthday later this month, and I hope you have a peaceful, wonderful week ahead!
Hi dear friend, yes! A time for reflection, honour and remembering loved ones.
DeleteThank you so much for your birthday 🎂 wishes.