Hello all, long time no see…
Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that I started studying at University a month ago, which has meant this blog schedule has become particularly awry. I don’t want to abandon this blog or newsletter by any means, but I think I must finally accept I’m not the sort of person who can stick to a schedule. In true Ayshen fashion, I will continue to post, but about as capriciously as I do most other things. Don’t ever say I don’t embody chaotic good.
In December last year, I did a blog post on the sabbat of Yule, one of the eight Sabbats celebrated on the wheel of the year, along with Samhain. To continue in that essence, let’s explore further into Samhain, or as it’s more commonly known today, Halloween.
Celtic Origins
Samhain has Celtic and Pagan origins, originating as one of the major Celtic festivals, looking to celebrate the harvest, reap what remained of the year, and welcome the darkness of the upcoming months. It was also at this time that people believed that the veil between the living and underworld was at its thinnest, connecting the spiritual and physical plains together. In ancient times, it was considered a compulsory celebration lasting for three days and three nights.
It’s hard to say for certain what rituals took place during those mystical times over two thousand years ago, but it is widely accepted that huge bonfires were held within the communities, where esoteric rituals headed by the druids and spiritual leaders of the time would take place. It is likely that animals were sacrificed during these rituals and grand, community feasts were held.
There is some debate over the etymology of the word Samhain, but it is commonly believed that it means something along the lines of summer’s end.
Dressing Up, or Mumming and Guising
Although you might be tempted to believe that dressing up is a recent addition to the Halloween celebration, it is actually an ancient practice.
From the middle ages onwards, people would dress up as animals and monsters in order to ward off fairies from kidnapping their relatives who were crossing over to the afterlife. They would also go from house to house, offering up songs in exchange for food, which was also thought of as an offering to the spirits.
Pumpkins and the Middle Ages
As time progressed, so did the fiery celebrations of Samhain. Smaller bonfires near towns and farms began to become the norm in order to protect the inhabitants from pesky witches and fairies. It also became common for people to start carving radishes and potatoes, later becoming pumpkins, and lighting their insides.
Witches' New Year
Samhain takes place halfway between the Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice, or Yule to some, and was considered back then to be the start of the Celtic New Year as it celebrated the end of the warm crop season and embraced the upcoming months of cold and darkness. Some modern Witches, especially those who subscribe to more Celtic Pagan traditions, still consider Samhain to be the Witches’ New Year.
With the death of the past year, it is a time of reflection of one’s self and achievements. Although this has the potential to sound somber, it is really a time to consider the possibilities of the death of the old, meaning the birth of the new. It is a time of letting go, mourning what needs to be mourned, and preparing for new beginnings.
Short and sweet today, but I hope you enjoyed this (very) brief outline of the Sabbat of Samhain. Have a safe and splendid spooky season! See you all soon (or maybe not, who knows?)
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