Samhainn and Hallowe’en

We had a good Samhainn this year. We lit our candle, and thought of those who have gone before, and told them we loved them and wished them peace and love and happiness. It was very uplifting, and calm, and full of love.

Inside, we had huge roaring bonfires, and everyone walked between them to cleanse themselves. The kids Inside went trick or treating, and got tons of sweets and chocolate! There were turnip lanterns, coz we’re traditional that way, and warm cakes, and treacle tarts, and cinder toffee, and the adults drank honey mead and warmed cider. We put out offerings of food and drink in thanks for the harvest, and for the spirits of those gone before. The celebrations, if that’s the right word, went on through the 1st, and the whole day was warm and comforting and filled with peace and a sense of community. We ended the day with a feast of epic proportions, with tables and benches in the streets, and everyone contributed something, and there was much feasting and raising of glasses and merriment!

Outside, on the 31st, we watched Boo, Halloween 4 and Halloween 5! Nothing like a good horror movie marathon on Hallowe’en!

We manage to celebrate both holidays, without blurring the meanings of either one. Samhainn is for remembrance and reflection, of giving thanks, of meditating on the year gone by, and of those who are no longer with us. A time for community and closeness. Hallowe’en is for fun and sweets and the laughter of kids, and of movie marathons and popcorn. Both have their place in today’s world.

-Bethanie