Hallows Eve
I love learning the ‘why’ behind the reasons events, holidays or celebrations began and evolved. My curiosity about Halloween is because I desire to have change of mindset about this season. I had the believe that it was only dark or negative energy. I now know it’s so much more…
Here’s what I found.
Halloween or Hallowe'en is a celebration observed in many countries on the 31st of October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. That’s interesting I was raised in Western Christianity and never knew of or celebrated Hallows’ Day.
What does "All Hallows" even mean? Well, in Christian tradition, November 1 is known as All Saints' Day, a day to honor all saints who have no specific feast day. The night before, October 31, is All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day. Over time, "All Hallows' Eve" was shortened to "Halloween"
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain
This tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, (pronounced “sow-win”), when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
It is usually celebrated from October 31 to November 1 to welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.” Celebrants believe that the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world break down during Samhain, allowing more interaction between humans and denizens of the Otherworld.
Samhain in the Middle Ages
As the Middle Ages progressed, so did the celebrations of the fire festivals. Bonfires known as Samghnagans, which were more personal Samhain fires nearer the farms, became a tradition, purportedly to protect families from fairies and witches.
Carved turnips called Jack-o-lanterns began to appear, attached by strings to sticks and embedded with coal. Later Irish tradition switched to pumpkins.
In Wales, men tossed burning wood at each other in violent games and set off fireworks. In Northern England, men paraded with noisemakers.
As most of us know over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
When the season of fall starts to show its’ face, my body feels the impending doom of leaves and flowers dying and the cold of winter to come. I become sad as the days become shorter and darkness starts to descend upon the earth.
I don’t want to hibernate. I want to see & experience my flowers all year round. I do know that’s not possible. So, I decided to observe and feel the energies of fall differently.
First the word fall, sounds rather dangerous and possibly painful. Dictionary meaning, move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level. Yes fall(ing) can be dangerous.
Second change the word. All words have energy and affect our body and mind in different ways.
Autumn is a season of many colours. When change begins once more.
Harvest, I like that. I enjoy the harvest of our vegetable garden. The freshness and taste are so amazing.
Third letting go. Autumn is a season of letting go. Some of the leaves are letting go. Letting go gives us the opportunity to experience something else, something new.
Fourth hibernate, gives our body’s and mind the ability to recuperate, recharge or heal and recover.
Embracing the transformation. Where two seasons clash. Summer has ended and autumn has just begun. Summer flowers are still blooming at the same time the trees are releasing their leaves. Slowing stopping for a moment in time to rest for the next season of change. To prepare for the season of quiet contentment and become ready for the season of renewal.
Remembering that not all leaves let go. Spruce trees are forever green, sheltering birds during the storms of winter.
With grace and acceptance, I welcome in autumn and prepare for the dark half of the year.
“All trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried”
Donald Miller
From my heart to yours,
Maureen