What is Halloween really about?
62Halloween, is celebrated as the end of the seasonal wheel. The death of old and beginning of a new cycle, the New Year.
As a Pagan this time of year is also shared with our loved ones that have passed on. We set a plate during the celebration to honor our loved ones that have died. We leave out gifts for spirits and elementals. This is also a time of making wishes for the up coming year. All forms of divination are heightened at this time of year due to the veils being thin.
For some Halloween is considered the day of the dead. It is believed that on Halloween, the veils between the world of the living and the dead are very thin. Hence the use of jack-a- lanterns, pumpkins carved with scary faces. Jack-a lanterns were used to scare off evil spirits. Apples were also used to deter evil unwanted spirits. Dried apple slices were strung on thread and placed in thresholds.
For my family we merge the traditional modern Halloween with Samhain. We start by having the children dress in costumes and have a traditional Halloween party. Trick-a treating, games and some divination games. Around 9:00 pm, nonPagan quests go home.
At this time we dress in ritual clothing and begin our Samhain celebration. A meal of red meat, lots of harvested vegetables, corn bread and the traditional Samhain cake. Plate settings for our loved ones that have passed are placed on the table. There is an alter set up with pictures of loved ones that have passed on and white candles. Later that evening we leave out gifts for the elementals. We also do wishes in the fire pit, or caldron. We do this by making wishes then tossing ground frankincense into the fire. We are usually up till 3am and children are kept home from school the next day. In respect to our native American heritage we visit grave sites the next day leaving pieces of amethyst.
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Queen,
The place setting is, when we set the table we set extra plates settings for our loved ones that have passed on. Inviting them to celebrate with us the end of the seasonal wheel and beginning of the new year.
The red meat symbols, the blood of new life to nourish our bodies. This is a very old tradition. In earlier times and maybe still used today by farmers a sacrifice of a male lamb or other small animal. The blood is poured onto the field to insure a good crop for the next year. The reason for the male gender is believed that the Earth is female and needs the blood of a male. Blood signifies life, almost like the Christians use it in communion. You can also use red wine or Pomegranate juice.
The amethyst stone has several meanings
One. It protects our deceased loved ones body from being inhabited by evil spirits.
Two. It insures that we will meet again
And three.. That they have a safe journey on the other side.
I hope this is helpful
Love and Light
Pixy
Thank you so much for your explination. It feels good to earn so much and see common practices. it certainly helps me brigde the gap on a few personal question i have had.
Queen
Informative hub, I usually just watch 6 hours of Ghost Hunters, you probably have more fun!
lover of myself 3 years ago
Thank you so much for such a informative response to my request, i think you did a wonderful clear job at given me more understanding on another level, it has been a blessing. Only one question I have and I ask it to grow in understanding, one part of your explanation, you said, in respect to our native American ancestors we leave pieces of Amethyst... what exactly does that do?
Also perhaps you will help me understand the significance of some of the things mentioned, like setting plates, I think i know what it means, but i don't want to assume, and is there any thing behind the eating of red meat?
I figure it is extremely important for me to get all the details. I think it's wonderful you cared to share with me your belief system with me it really has helped a lot and meant alot to me as well..
As a Christian, growing up being told this and that has just gotten old, as a mother i want to explore all things before telling my children why or why they should not decide to do something. I want them to grow up respecting and understanding all that's around them, not be close minded and shut in. That's why i posted this question and wrote a hub about it all to find answers.
With much love and respect,
Queen