Samhain, The Real Halloween

United States
October 31, 2015 8:05pm CST
Yes, there is indeed a pagan background to this holiday. It isn't just a night that people play tricks for fun and children get to dress up and be their hero for a day. All Hallows Eve marks the thinning of the boundaries between this world and the next. I typically like to use this time to talk to my long deceased parents. Lit candles, my parent's photos next to my candy offering and the approach of the witching hour is some of the most calming moments every year for me.
11 people like this
8 responses
Ann LeFlore
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
1 Nov 15
I do have to agree. One year we spent this with a co-workers family in Mexico. The lighting of the candles at the cemetery and the mask was a very peaceful moment and one to remember for a long time to come.
3 people like this
Amanda Tucker
@Kazemononoke (248)
• United States
1 Nov 15
You got to experience something that not a lot of people share. I love explaining to people our traditions. Sometimes I get some weird looks, but it is really peaceful and renews my connections with my lost loved ones.
2 people like this
Amanda Tucker
@Kazemononoke (248)
• United States
1 Nov 15
@poehere I haven't actually been able to go back and see family to celebrate with anyone other than my husband. I'm happy you got to experience it. I'm hispanic, but my mother and I lived pretty far from my family so I never really got to dive into my culture with family.
2 people like this
Ann LeFlore
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
1 Nov 15
@Kazemononoke It was a fantastic week we spent with my co-worker family.
rebelann1949
@rebelann (113015)
• El Paso, Texas
1 Nov 15
It is also a centuries old tradition in some parts of the world and if I'm not mistaken many of the ancients some thousand or more years ago would use scary attire to try to frighten those spirits that might try to ruin their crops.
2 people like this
rebelann1949
@rebelann (113015)
• El Paso, Texas
1 Nov 15
Could be @Kazemononoke I had been reading a little about the druids and how the Romans slaughtered them kinda like how the Europeans slaughtered Native Americans.
1 person likes this
Amanda Tucker
@Kazemononoke (248)
• United States
1 Nov 15
I have to look it up again, but I do believe that jack o lanterns had something to do with that affect as well. Keeping the "evil" spirits away.
2 people like this
celticeagle
@celticeagle (168570)
• Boise, Idaho
1 Nov 15
Yes, and what a fun night it is. It been a full moon too.
1 person likes this
Sharon
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
1 Nov 15
I think that is a great way to celebrate a loved ones life.
1 person likes this
PaintsOnSlate
@PainsOnSlate (21852)
• Canada
1 Nov 15
I know that its history is both Paganism and Christian but to most of us growing up in America, the American version is simply a day to dress up and scare anyone you can for a laugh and a good time.
2 people like this
Lynn Proctor
@ThankyouLord (698)
• St. Petersburg, Florida
1 Nov 15
I think it is interesting how holiday traditions change over time, depending on the culture and those culture's beliefs. I think so much of our traditions come from pagan rituals, as that is what flourished during the medieval times.
1 person likes this
Judy Story
@jstory07 (140106)
• Roseburg, Oregon
2 Nov 15
I actually do nothing to celebrate Halloween. I usually work so others can have the day off.
Kaysi Lynn
@Kaygreen1913 (162)
•
8 Aug 16
I never knew this. I'm glad I know now! It makes Halloween a lot more important to me and now I can actually take it seriously.