Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, and Dia de los Muertos!
Wow! Clearly a lot is going on in the month of October! October is of course Hallow’s Eve or Halloween – that special holiday that you can be anything you want to be. I know you have heard me talk about Samhain, too. Here is a short blurb of this Celtic holiday:
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 about 2,000 years ago, Samhain was 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 honored and invited home while 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 to eat it, was ritually shared with the less well-off.
Then there is Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead in Mexico. It is 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 Hallow’s Eve.
Needless to say, this has been close to my favorite holiday. Why not, 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-judgemental 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!”
October also brings us the beautiful fall foliage of the brilliant changing of colors. One of my favorite sharings is if you haven’t experienced autumn in the Northeast and certain other places, like Colorado, please put it on your bucket list, especially if you plan on taking a fall road trip!
So enjoy all the leaves and fall changes and be young again – many adults still go to Halloween parties which are STILL enjoyed and have fun. NYC still has a huge Halloween parade. You can only imagine the creative costumes that are dancing down the street!
As always check out all my goings on in the wondering world of connecting to loved ones in spirit – including my guaranteed readings TOMORROW at 7pm. Save your spot here.
Love,
Suzane
