Straight Talk by Nimfa Estrellado November 2, 2019 It is a tradition in the Philippines to visit their deceased relatives during Nov...
by Nimfa Estrellado
November 2, 2019
It is a tradition in the Philippines to visit their deceased relatives during November 1 All Saints Day and 2 and All Souls Day. As people around the world are prepared for Halloween celebrations, many are unaware of the holiday’s history. Halloween comes from one of the most important dates in the ancient Celtic religion’s calendar-Samhain. Samhain, a Gaelic counterpart to Halloween, is celebrated on November 1 and sees the spirit walls breaking down and human realms enabling contact between the two. Many are taking the time to mourn the loved ones that they have lost while others are preparing to enter the dark half of the year.
What’s the history of Samhain?
___ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW___
Samhain dates back to the 10th century, having originated from this period in Irish literature and mythology, and is widely celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. This happens between the fall equinox and the winter solstice, marking the end of the harvest season and the last three days. The day was brought about to honor the dead as they passed into the spirit world from the human realm and is marked in many ways. The day gradually combined with All Saints ‘ and All Souls ‘ Day, however, with the advent of Christianity, to establish what is now known as Halloween.
How is Samhain celebrated?
The event was marked by ancient worshippers with massive festivities lasting days. Dressed in animal hide costumes, as they shared stories of the season, they gathered for festivities to share food and alcohol. Families and friends mark the death of their loved ones as well as evil spirits.
Druid priests would create enormous holy bonfires in which they offered offerings to the gods, after which participants carried a flame back to their homes to religionize the heart and protect their homes.
When time went by, carved turnips were quickly adopted, with these later becoming the Jack-O-Lantern pumkpin we’re more used to seeing. Often originated from the ancient Samhain rituals, which saw people going door-to-door singing songs to the dead, Halloween celebrations such as trick or treating. Neo-Pagans and Wiccans who perform fire ceremonies and honor their dead continue to observe Samhain in recent years.
It is a tradition in the Philippines to visit their deceased relatives during November 1 All Saints Day and 2 and All Souls Day. As people around the world are prepared for Halloween celebrations, many are unaware of the holiday’s history. Halloween comes from one of the most important dates in the ancient Celtic religion’s calendar-Samhain. Samhain, a Gaelic counterpart to Halloween, is celebrated on November 1 and sees the spirit walls breaking down and human realms enabling contact between the two. Many are taking the time to mourn the loved ones that they have lost while others are preparing to enter the dark half of the year.
What’s the history of Samhain?
Samhain dates back to the 10th century, having originated from this period in Irish literature and mythology, and is widely celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. This happens between the fall equinox and the winter solstice, marking the end of the harvest season and the last three days. The day was brought about to honor the dead as they passed into the spirit world from the human realm and is marked in many ways. The day gradually combined with All Saints ‘ and All Souls ‘ Day, however, with the advent of Christianity, to establish what is now known as Halloween.
How is Samhain celebrated?
The event was marked by ancient worshippers with massive festivities lasting days. Dressed in animal hide costumes, as they shared stories of the season, they gathered for festivities to share food and alcohol. Families and friends mark the death of their loved ones as well as evil spirits.
Druid priests would create enormous holy bonfires in which they offered offerings to the gods, after which participants carried a flame back to their homes to religionize the heart and protect their homes.
When time went by, carved turnips were quickly adopted, with these later becoming the Jack-O-Lantern pumkpin we’re more used to seeing. Often originated from the ancient Samhain rituals, which saw people going door-to-door singing songs to the dead, Halloween celebrations such as trick or treating. Neo-Pagans and Wiccans who perform fire ceremonies and honor their dead continue to observe Samhain in recent years.
No comments