Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices II This was when cattle and sheep were brought in from summer pasture, all but breeding stock being killed for winter food and making fewer mouths to feed. The last fruit was picked, except that which would be left for the Sidhe, grain was gathered and processed for fodder, flour, and … Continue reading Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Beltane Customs and Practices:Fire festivals

Fire was believed to have purifying qualities - it cleansed and rejuvenated both the land and the people. The ritual welcoming of the sun and the lighting of the fires was also believed to ensure the fertility of the land and the people. Animals were transferred from winter pens to summer pastures and were driven … Continue reading Beltane Customs and Practices:Fire festivals

Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Samhain, a major festival has several aspects. Samhain is considered the third (meat) harvest, New Year's Eve, the Day of the Dead (the dead are honored as they were by the ancient Celts & Egyptians and even now in Mexico) and a night that the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest. It … Continue reading Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Samhain

Samhain is an important holiday in Wicca, Druidry, and some other modern witchcraft traditions. So much has been written about this holy day that I am loathe to add anything to it. But there were a lot of questions I had: did Halloween customs really originate with Samhain? How? Did the Irish bring it over? […] … Continue reading Samhain

Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

This major festival has several aspects. It is considered the third (meat) harvest, New Year’s Eve, the Day of the Dead (the dead are honored as they were by the ancient Celts & Egyptians and even now in Mexico) and a night that the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest. It is … Continue reading Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices