Samhain or Halloween |
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Now for a bit of history, we must go back to old Irish tradition. The Celts had 3 harvests: Aug 1, or Lammas, was the first harvest, when the first fruits of the season were offered to the Gods in thanks. The Fall Equinox was the "true harvest". This was when the bulk of crops would be brought in. Samhain was the final harvest of the year. Anything left on the vines or in fields after this date was considered blasted by the fairies and unfit for human consumption. Samhain was one of the sacred "Fire Festivals" of the druids. All the hearth fires in Ireland were extinguished, and then re-lit from the central fire of the Druids at Tlachtga, 12 miles from the royal hill of Tara. The extinguishing of the fires symbolized the "dark half" of the year, and the re-kindling from the Druidic fires was symbolic of returning life. It was believed that departed loved ones could return to the land of the living on Samhain to celebrate with their families. The great burial mounds of Ireland, "sidhe (shee) mounds", translated as "faery mounds", were opened up and strewn with lighted torches along their walls, so the beloved dead could find their way home safely. Extra places were set at the table and food provided for any of the years deceased that wished to partake. This holiday was said to be the very best for divination. At no other holiday was it as likely to succeed. The custom of dressing in costume and going from house to house is of Celtic origin and was actively indulged in by adults as well as children. Also, the 'treat' which was required was often one of spirits or alcohol. Symbolism of Samhain: The Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death. Symbolized by jack-o'-lanterns, the balefire, besoms, masks, and cauldrons. Herbs of Samhain: Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw. Foods of Samhain: Corn, Beets, Turnips, Gingerbread, Apples, Spices, Pumpkin Pie, Hazelnuts, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry. Also potatoes, cabbage and onions, oatcakes. Incense of Samhain: Heliotrope, Apple, Sage, Mint, Nutmeg, Frankincense, Basil, Yarrow, Clove, and Camphor. Colors of Samhain: Black, Orange, Red, White, Silver, Gold and Yellow Gold. Stones of Samhain: All Black Stones, jet, obsidian, onyx. Spellwork for Samhain: Protection, Reflection, Renewal, Getting rid of the negative.
BACK I BELTANE I IMBOLIC I LAMMAS I LITHIA I MABON I OSTARA I SAMHAIN I YULE I EMAIL |