Halloween

[color=purple][size=4]Halloween, celebrated on October 31, can be traced back to Samhain, the ancient Celtic harvest festival honoring the Lord of the Dead. Observed on November 1 in the British Isles and parts of France, Samhain also marked the beginning of the Celtic New Year. Because it was a time of transition between the old and the new, the Celts believed that the souls of those who had died during the previous year gathered to travel together to the land of the dead. It was also a time when those who had died in years past returned to visit their homes. November 1 was considered the end of the summer period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. People lit bonfires to scare away evil spirits and "sacrificed" fruits and vegetables, hoping to appease the spirits of the deceased. Sometimes people disguised themselves in masks and costumes so that the visiting spirits would not recognize them. Charms, spells, and predictions of the future were all part of the eve of Samhain. In the old Celtic calendar, that last evening of October was "old-year's night," the night of all witches.

Does anyone observe Halloween?[/size][/color]

6 comments

Does anyone observe Halloween?

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NO...................

[size=4]I didn't think so.....[/size]

I like your attachments ..............LOL

It is mainly celebrated in the USA. Not much in the UK. Australians have never been involved in Halloween until very recently and that is because retailers see it as another occasion to create sales. I tis the same as Valentines day - simply a commercial opportunity - aren't Xmas and Easter enough?? I am heartily sick of it all.

[size=4]It is mainly celebrated in the USA. Not much in the UK. Australians have never been involved in Halloween until very recently and that is because retailers see it as another occasion to create sales. I tis the same as Valentines day - simply a commercial opportunity - aren't Xmas and Easter enough?? I am heartily sick of it all.



Couldn't agree more....everything is commercialised these days.

On the other hand, with the economy in such a parlous state, any money moving around at the moment might be a good thing.[/size]

While visiting the US my friends took me to a halloween party. Very Skakespearian............"Much Ado About Nothing" Im glad we dont bother. One point though as it was on a Friday the trick or treat went on for the whole weekend so my friends because they have a business in a market are obliged to shell out candy etc over 3 days. I am a firm believer that Halloween is being kept going by dentists ensuring they have clients for years to come.

6 comments



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