Faeawyn
July 6th, 2004, 12:03 PM
I never knew how to explain to someone how halloween came about......but I thought this was a great one to share with your children or a christian friend who had questions....
I didn't know where to put this, so Mod's feel free to move it if need be.....
By Steven D. Farmer
In my book, Sacred Ceremony, I describe what happens on this sacred evening:
. . . the barriers between this world and the Otherworld are removed, and the dead are able to rise from their own graves. In our culture, death is dealt with poorly, as something to be denied and to be feared, so instead of honoring our ancestors and deceased loved ones on this holiday, it has taken on an entirely different kind of spin. Trick or treat had an entirely different meaning. Originally, you would leave food for the ancestors and the fairies. If you didn’t then they’d play tricks on you, perhaps for the entire year.
However, these ancestors, who were portrayed as ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, actually visited us to help us. They weren’t scary at all. The treats left for them were to welcome them, to let them enjoy memories of their time while on Earth. Psychic powers are . . . the strongest at Samhain. The communication between the living and the world of the dead is at an all time high, with messages being exchanged both ways.
So the children at your door on All Hallow’s Eve are unknowingly acting out an aspect of the ancient festival of Samhain, and you’re playing your part by offering them treats so the “ghosts, hobgoblins, and fairies” will be kind to you for the coming year and not play tricks on you.
I didn't know where to put this, so Mod's feel free to move it if need be.....
By Steven D. Farmer
In my book, Sacred Ceremony, I describe what happens on this sacred evening:
. . . the barriers between this world and the Otherworld are removed, and the dead are able to rise from their own graves. In our culture, death is dealt with poorly, as something to be denied and to be feared, so instead of honoring our ancestors and deceased loved ones on this holiday, it has taken on an entirely different kind of spin. Trick or treat had an entirely different meaning. Originally, you would leave food for the ancestors and the fairies. If you didn’t then they’d play tricks on you, perhaps for the entire year.
However, these ancestors, who were portrayed as ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, actually visited us to help us. They weren’t scary at all. The treats left for them were to welcome them, to let them enjoy memories of their time while on Earth. Psychic powers are . . . the strongest at Samhain. The communication between the living and the world of the dead is at an all time high, with messages being exchanged both ways.
So the children at your door on All Hallow’s Eve are unknowingly acting out an aspect of the ancient festival of Samhain, and you’re playing your part by offering them treats so the “ghosts, hobgoblins, and fairies” will be kind to you for the coming year and not play tricks on you.