By: Keitha (FireWind)
Posted: October 31st, 2001
Samhain (pr. sow-in) is perhaps the most recognized Pagan holiday in the
year. In its incarnation known as "Hallowe'en", it is the "feast of the dead"; a
night for candy, practical jokes, and expressing things that frightens us.
But Samhain is much more than trick-or-treating. It is a harvest holiday, and
the Celtic New Year. It is a night to remember the dead, and honour those who
have crossed over before us. This is the night that the newly sacrificed god
descends to the land of the dead. This is the night that Persephone leaves her
mother and begins her reign in the Underworld. This is the night that the Crone
begins walking the land. This is the night that the veil is thin, and one may
communicate with the other side.
In giving these suggestions for celebrating Samhain, I am assuming that you are,
or will be soon, researching the meanings and history of Samhain. Remember that
a ritual must have meaning for you to be worth doing at all. Understand what you
are doing and why; this is your spirituality, not someone else's.
1. Dumb Supper
A dumb supper is a wonderful way to celebrate Samhain, especially if you are
honouring someone in particular. There are many ways to do this. If you like,
you can have dinner as usual, and simply leave an extra plate and dinner out for
your "guests". You can have dinner as usual, or perhaps talk to the person you
are honouring. Laugh and joke with them, or ask them how they are doing. Another
way is to have dinner completely in silence. This is a good opportunity to
reflect on who you want to be having dinner with, and why. If you are honouring
someone in particular, remember to make something that you know or think they
might like. And if you're going to honour your guests, treat them right... how
about some good china and a fine wine? Hey, these guests probably haven't eaten
in a year! :)
2. Honouring the dead
How exactly do you honour the dead? Simple- remember them. Don't let
their memories fade. What do you know about them, what were they like, what did
they do, what did they feel? Do you miss them? Tell them. Tell them you still
love them. Talk about them... and remember the person they were.
3. Bobbing for apples
Bobbing for apples? Yup. This wonderfully pagan activity is great for kids and
adults alike. The tub of water (read: Cauldron of Renewal), and apples (read:
Magickal Fruit) are perfect for the season. How long will it take you to catch
your apple?
4. Carving a pumpkin/turnip
Okay, while carving ugly faces into pumpkins isn't actually a pagan activity, it
does have some roots there. The vegetable of choice used to be the turnip,
however. But this is one tradition I'm glad has been adapted. (Have you ever
tried to carve a turnip)? Anyway, the theory is that if you carve a scary
face in to a latern (one day I'll track down the story of old Jack for you),
then you will frighten away any spirits of the dead that mean harm. Friendly
spirits, however, will recognize it as a lamp and will be welcome. I believe
this has as much roots in old Christian traditions as old pagan ones, but it's
still loads of fun.
5. Divination
This is one of the times of year that the veil between the two worlds is
thinnest. If you are planning on doing any divination work, this is probably the
best time you will have until Beltaine. Tarot, Runes, Scrying, pendulum, and any
of the hundreds of other methods of divination are easier to read at this time.
6. Feast... feast... feast
'Nuff said.
Foods:
Goddesses
Gods
Colours