Post by Vampyresam on Oct 27, 2004 22:02:34 GMT
I thought that since Halloween or All Hallows Eve was almost upon us now (Sunday 31st October for those who have been living under a rock and didn't know ;D) that I would post some information about the night.
October the 31st was the last day of the ancient Celtic year and was also The Festival of Samhain who was the Celtic God of the Dead. At the end of each year the Celtics believed that the spirits of the dead were able to return from beyond to once again join in happiness with their mortal friends and families.
This was a chance to celebrate with loved ones that had passed over by dancing, feasting and singing.
Large bonfires would be lit to welcome party-goers of the living and the dead alike.
Fearing however that some of the spirits that returned may have evil intentions people would wear masks and costumes to hide their identities. The good and true spirits of friends and relatives would be able to see through the disguises and therefore still be able to make contact.
At dawn, the start of the Celtic New Year the spirits would return to their spirit world.
Here are a few interesting links
www.akashanpathways.com/samhain_halloween_all_hallows_eve.htm
www.britainusa.com/faq/showfaq.asp?SID=262
www.theholidayspot.com/history.htm
October the 31st was the last day of the ancient Celtic year and was also The Festival of Samhain who was the Celtic God of the Dead. At the end of each year the Celtics believed that the spirits of the dead were able to return from beyond to once again join in happiness with their mortal friends and families.
This was a chance to celebrate with loved ones that had passed over by dancing, feasting and singing.
Large bonfires would be lit to welcome party-goers of the living and the dead alike.
Fearing however that some of the spirits that returned may have evil intentions people would wear masks and costumes to hide their identities. The good and true spirits of friends and relatives would be able to see through the disguises and therefore still be able to make contact.
At dawn, the start of the Celtic New Year the spirits would return to their spirit world.
Here are a few interesting links
www.akashanpathways.com/samhain_halloween_all_hallows_eve.htm
www.britainusa.com/faq/showfaq.asp?SID=262
www.theholidayspot.com/history.htm