Hallowe’en, or Samhain, was when my Celtic ancestors ‘celebrated’ the end of the year. Summer was over and winter began. It looked like the world had died. We can not imagine the angst whether or not there would be enough food to last 4 months. We also don’t know if Samhain was a time of fear or excitement or both. It was important.
Hallowe’en has been around for 3000 years or more. It is constantly evolving. It is like a large river receiving many tributaries from many cultures and times. I suppose that is why I like it so much. It touches on the need for the archaic while allowing you to make it whatever you fancy.
Remembering the dead has always been a vital part of the holiday. All Soul’s Night is one of the day’s many names.
Today while we carve pumpkins and toast seeds and attend our block party for the trick or treaters, I will pause at times to think of my ancestors.
So I hope everyone has a Happy Hallowe’en, whether you are partying or conducting a solemnity.
Boo !
17 comments
October 31, 2010 at 6:37 AM
Jim
Have a blessed Samhain and Happy Hallowe’en too!
October 31, 2010 at 6:41 AM
A. Lewis
Summer is clearly over. Winter can now begin. I like that. We’ve been enjoying a beautiful fall.
October 31, 2010 at 6:52 AM
Cubby
OMG that video just scared the crap out of me!!! I’ll send you the laundry bill.
October 31, 2010 at 9:11 AM
Urspo
hohoho
October 31, 2010 at 7:00 AM
Tai
Have fun!
October 31, 2010 at 7:51 AM
Blobby
Yes. Linda Blair’s career trajectory is quite frightening!
October 31, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Jay
Dang, that scared the shiite out of me. Thanks for nothing. LOL!
October 31, 2010 at 10:30 AM
D. David
Love this post! Is it any wonder you have 658,217 visitors to Spo-land?
October 31, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Urspo
some of the are ghosts
October 31, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Chris (in Philly)
That video scared me. Hapy Halloween!!!
October 31, 2010 at 3:16 PM
Ron Tipton
Halloween is part of our pagan roots. I feel the pull every year when the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp.
October 31, 2010 at 7:36 PM
Ron Tipton
Oh yes, I fell for the video. Almost had to change my underwear.
October 31, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Ron Tipton
Next time I’ll read the comments first.
November 1, 2010 at 4:14 AM
Benton Quest
Happy Hallowe’en to you too!
November 1, 2010 at 4:25 AM
Hanuman Das
Happy Halloween to you two!!!
Alas, I feel that some of the magic is leaving Halloween now. At least half of the Trick or Treaters we had last night didn’t say “trick or treat!” or (more importantly) “Thank you”. I blame the parents and Sarah Palin….
November 2, 2010 at 4:57 AM
Birdie
You are personally responsible for shortening my life by about two years. My jump factor has increased exponentially in the past ten years, and I can be startled even if you tell me when it’s going to happen. I’ll let you know if the adrenaline ever leaves my bloodstream after this.
November 3, 2010 at 11:57 AM
lazybythelake
GEE – ZUS! LOUISE-US!
i knew better than to look at the youtube. i just knew it.