The Month that honors traditions of loved ones going into spirit.
This is the first October I can remember in a long time where “Yom Kippur” falls in October; it usually falls in September. Yom Kippur literally means “Day of Atonement,” and it honors those who have crossed over. It’s considered the holiest day of the year after celebrating the Jewish New Year. The family or other loved ones go to nearby water to throw in their sins and then light candles for all your loved ones who are now in spirit.
So interesting, and we end the month with the holidays of honoring loved ones crossing over into spirit from Hallows-eve (Halloween), Samhain, and Dia de los Muertos!
Halloween is that special holiday that you can be anything you want to be. I know you’d have heard me talk about Samhain. A short blurb of this Celtics holiday. See below:
As millions of children and adults participate in the fun of Halloween on the night of October 31st, few will be aware of its ancient Celtic roots in the Samhain (Samain) festival. In Celtic Ireland, approximately 2,000 years ago, Samhain marked the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). At Samhain, the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.
The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and thus avoid harm. Bonfires and food played a large part in the festivities. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into a communal fire, household fires were extinguished and started again from the bonfire. Food was prepared for the living and the dead, food for the ancestors who were in no position it eat it, was ritually shared with the less well off.
Then there is Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead in Mexico. A huge celebration when families go to the cemetery to celebrate loved ones. They bring food, music, and their favorite photos of their loved ones. It’s celebrated on October 31, just as Samhain and Hallows Eve.
Needless to say, this has been close to my favorite holiday. Why not, on the day you can bring out the witch’s hats and broom? Believe it or not, it is still a favorite costume for the little ones. I have a client whose grandchildren call her a “real official“ witch because she stays in the room of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts and Witches.
On this holiday, what can be more wonderful than to experience our loved ones in spirit than the children connecting with Grandma, Grandpa, or other loved ones, as with so many cultures and traditions. Children are non-judgmental and open until they’re told not to be. I’m sure many of you have seen a young child say, “I’ve seen grandma, mommy!”
I remember in the days that I used to travel to mom’s and days home, the little ones would always point to the photos on the wall, and how grandma, or uncle Joe, came to visit them. I would always say, “Why wouldn’t they visit?” It’s their Grandma or Uncle, and they are still the family in spirit looking over.
I myself am doing some events in connection with your loved ones, and hopefully you’re enjoying some fun on Halloween, maybe being something you’ve always wanted to be. Hey kids, Hallowe’en or Halloween is not for the little kiddies. NYC still has the huge Halloween parade. You can only imagine the creative costumes that are dancing down the street!
Warmly with love,
Suzane
