Happy Halloween/Samhain
The word Halloween means hallowed evening; hallowed meaning
sacred.
It is a time when the veils between the realms are thin. And
we can connect the ancestors who have passed.
In my Native heritage the ancestors and their wisdom are honored always
as ones to aid us.
Thus in the Celtic Samhain celebration the dead were honored
not feared. Knowing they are just on another level of existence. Death was not seen as a negative but as
change. A time of community and celebration where the new ones born during the year
were formally introduced into their community.
It was custom to leave food for the elders or for the fairy so
they would not pull pranks, hence the “trick or treat”. In other traditions
costumes and mischief making singing and dancing was the way of this night and
they would go door to door offering prayers for treats.
Jack-o'-lantern comes from British origins and means man
with a lantern. Also called will o’ the wisp
which refers to the neat flickers of light in wetlands at night said to be fairy or ghost pranking. So, such has an appropriate place in the Halloween
celebrations where they are generally outdoors lit by candles.
Bobbing for apples has been seen in many ways but one that
I think is neat. It was said that If one caught an apple when bobbing for
apples they were to peel it carefully and to slowly circle their head with the
peel thrice and then throw it over their head.
The letter shape that appeared would be the first initial of the
individuals’ true love.
No matter how you look at the day be it from a stand point
of ancient traditions or of a day of fun and merriment. Let it be one of joy.
May the ancestors deliver blessings on you and yours...
May the new year bear great fruits for you...
May your granted wishes be as many as the seeds in a pomegranate...
May the memories of what has been keep you strong for what is to be...
May this Samhain cleanse your heart, your soul, and your mind!
© Lisa Ann Ulibarri
