In all transparency, I love Halloween. As a kid, it meant candy, costumes, and trick-or- treating. Today, as a New Yorker, it means one of the biggest parades of the year with a focus on fun and celebration.
Yet, Hallows or Hallomas started out as a festival to honor the Crone, -the wise grandmother. Over the years it has been transformed and commercialized into wicked old witches flying on broomsticks with black cats. Even the cauldron has changed meaning as it represented the womb of the Goddess –a symbol of rebirth.
For the Celts, it is called Samhain- summers end- and it is the beginning of the Celtic New Year. From darkness, endings and death comes light and rebirth. Something we all need to remember.
This is a holy time when the veil between the worlds is thin. Many cultures believe that the ancestors return to visit at this time and can communicate with the living.
In Ireland, it is believed that the fairies come out on this special night. One of these days I will write about my personal experience up in Lilydale where I saw fairies for the first time.
Honoring Ancestors
In Mexico and over Latin America, El Dia del las Muertes – Day of the Dead – (Nov 1st and 2nd) is celebrated at the cemetery. Families sweep the graves, bring food, create altars with marigolds and sugar skulls and celebrate those who have died. It is also a way to teach children that death is part of life and not to fear it.
Christians all over the world celebrate All Souls Day (Nov 1) to remember all
Saints and Martyrs and All Saints Day (November 2) to pray that all those who have passed will rest in peace.
Rituals to Do
In the true spirit of Halloween let us take some time to honor our ancestors and to share their gifts and history with our children and community
Why not make this Halloween a time to honor our elders by asking them to share stories of their past. Personally, I love doing video interviews.
And remember that we are the ancestors of the future, so include your stories here as well.
Until next time,
Barbara