TRLM Halloween
 

Samhain, All Hallow's Day, All Soul's Day, the Celtic Feast of the Dead, Vigil of Saman the original names for a now fun holiday- Halloween (Hallowe'en)!  Samhain is actually November 1st, marking the Celtic new year.  By tradition, feasts are held on the evening before, rather than on November 1st.  This marks the end of the pastoral year.  No more was to be harvested.  Any food left in the field was left, or immediately harvested, by that fateful day.  Any which remained was said to have been touched by the Pookahs.  This was a time of great fear, for all the supernatural forces were set upon the world. Samhain (First Day of Winter) brought with it many unique superstitions, and games which still survive today.  When children dress up for Halloween, did you ever wonder where it came from?  Some say it was from Portugal, where the people donned masks and asked for food.  If they received their "treat" they left peacefully, if not a "trick" was played.  However, Celtic children also had done this much earlier on, and with more meaning.  They also played games, which helped alleviate fears and gave insight to the future.  This night, a juncture between seasons opened.  The sun's power was fading, and night's was starting.  Many were not surprised when supernatural forces went about there work or manifested.  The children were welcomed as well as the spirits, by open doors, healthy hearths of warm fire, and the table set with meal and treats.  Prayers by commoners and Druids alike were made for the souls of the dead and against the evil souls in hopes of protection.  The Celts of the period believed in the cauldron of regeneration, and apples (which were considered to be the fruit of the other-world) were like the souls in the cauldron.  Children would bob for apples, which represented the rebirth of the souls.  The colors of Hallowe'en also come from this point.  White, red, and black each also had their own symbolization.  From former to latter: light and rebirth, fertility and rebirth, darkness and reflection.  Also at this point, bonfires were lit, and hearth fires were relit from the sacred fires.  There you go, a brief history of Hallowe'en.  Be careful out this year, and have fun!  Remember, Hallowe'en has played an integral part of history and should be preserved for that fact alone.