From Samhain to Halloween
Centuries before modern-day Halloween and its
army of costumed trick-or-treaters, Celtic people in Ireland, northern France,
Scotland, and Wales celebrated Samhain. The tradition of trick-or-treating
evolved from this pre-Christian festival.
The Celts
Samhain (SOW-in, SAH-win, or SAH-ween) marked
the end of summer. The veil between realms was thinnest, and the souls of those
who had died during the past year traveled into the otherworld. But the portal
worked both ways. nacestors and other spirits from the otherworld and
fairies from fairy mounds could cross into the human world.
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| Photo: Ariella Moon. Stone carving, Barclodiad y Gawres, Wales |
The Celts
disguised themselves in animal skin costumes to a drive back the spirits. They left
food offerings to appease the ghosts and fay. Bonfires were lit to deflect
unwanted spirits and to light the way for departing souls.
Mummers
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| Mummers. Photo found on Pinterest |
In 601 A.D.
Pope Gregory the First issued an edict directing missionaries to no longer
directly try to obliterate native beliefs and customs. Instead, his followers
were instructed to overlay Christian beliefs. Wells sacred to the goddess
Brigid became wells dedicated to Saint Bridget. The festival to the goddess
Oestra became Easter. Jesus’s birthday was switched to coincide with the winter
solstice. The list goes on. In the 9th century A.D. the church tried
to subsume Samhain with All Saints Day/All Hallows. All Hallow’s Eve incorporated the belief in high supernatural activity. But the church claimed
the Celtic otherworld was the Christian Hell, and demonized spirits, witches,
and fairies as well as the Celtic priests, the druids. Mummers, people
disguised as the demonized folk, would perform antics and threaten more
mischief (tricks). Villagers would appease them with food (treats). All
Hallow’s Eve became Halloween.
Souling
In 1000 A.D. the Catholic Church designated
November 2nd (Samhain) as All Soul’s Day. In England, the poor would
visit the wealthy and promise to pray for the wealthy people’s deceased kin in
exchange for soul cakes. Later, children would take up the task of souling for
treats or coins.
Samhain traditions have survived for over
2,000 years. For an inside look at how one American coven celebrates Samhain,
click here.
Copyright 2014 Ariella Moon
In Spell
Check by Ariella Moon, high school freshman Evie O’Reilly must prevent her
best friend from casting a binding love spell on Evie’s secret crush, Jordan.
Soon it will be Halloween, the anniversary of Evie’s father’s death. It’s also
when the moon will be optimum for spell casting. Can Evie push past her grief
in time to save Jordan?
To read an excerpt or purchase any book in the Teen Wytche Saga, click below.
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