Today is Halloween or as it was originally known Samhain (pronounced “saw-wen”.) It was a Celtic festival where the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes with the intent of keeping ghosts away. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III declared that November 1st would be a time when the people could honor all the saints. It would not take long before the traditions of Samhain would meld with the traditions of November 1st or All Saints as it became known, and October 31st would become known as All Hallows Eve.
Eventually, the two days, All Hallows Eve and Samhain pronounced Saw-Wen would merge together and become Halloween. And the activities of the day would evolve to include parties, costumes, trick or treating, carving Jack-o-lanterns, haunted houses and more.
This day would also mark the end of summer and harvest and the beginning of winter when the nights grew long, and light faded into darkness. Samhain was the night when the Celts believed the veil between this world and the next was at its thinnest, which is why they lit bonfires and dressed in costumes to ward off ghosts. This night was the most likely night for ghosts to be active.
In America the celebration of Halloween did not become popular until the 19th century with the influx of Irish immigrants into our country as they fled Ireland’s potato famine for a land where they could find food to eat. This once ancient practice has grown into an 11-billion-dollar industry! The only holiday where Americans spend more money is…Christmas.
For many people, Halloween is something they choose not to celebrate. It has many negative connotations. For me, Halloween has a lot of wonderful and fun memories of many nights seeking candy from neighbors and lots of fun Halloween parties. Today I enjoy giving out candy to the trick or treaters of all ages who come to my door or taking my grandchildren trick or treating in my neighborhood. BTW…if a teen comes to your door and rings your bell, don’t discriminate, just give them some candy. I think it is hard to let go of our good childhood memories and if for a teen, that means dressing up and trick or treating…go for it and enjoy. It is a far better occupation and other mischief they could be getting into.
And so, I will leave you with the final stanza of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” to send you on your way into the night trick or treating…
“And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door: And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming, And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted – nevermore!
Beth's Blog 