CEMETERY SPIRITS

As we move into the darkest time of year we pass through a time known as All Hallowstide. The time when we celebrate Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, the three days of remembering our our ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.

This was a major Thin Time for the ancient Celts who celebrated Samhain on Octobert 31 - What we call Halloween. Samhain was the feast of the ancestors, and it was also both the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year, thus they believed that the veil between the worlds - this world and the next - was thinnest. During this time they believed that the spirits of their loved ones could walk the earth, and so they would place candles in carved turnips and set them outside to light the way as these spirits continued on their journey. They would also leave plates of food out to nourish their ancestor as they continued on their way. I think you can see the beginnings of what we now call Halloween. In fact Halloween is the holiday that is most closely celebrated today as it was in olden times.

As Christianity began to spread throughout Europe, they began to incorporate parts of the local traditions, with a Christian twist, into their rituals. November 1, became All Saint's Day, honoring the holy Saints of the Church, and so Samhain (October 31) became known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween.

While the indigenous people of Europe readily accepted the feast to honor the Saints, it still didn't fill their need to honor the ancestors. The Church met that need by establishing All Soul's Day on November 2. This feast of souls was intended to be a time for us to remember and honor our family members and loved ones who had passed away. Thus, we came full circle to the original celebration of Samhain.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy All Hallowstide!!