It's that magical time of year again, Halloween.
Thought to be 'liminal' time, when the spirits or fairies can more easily come into our world and are particularly active.
Halloween originated in the Celtic festival of Samhain
-(pronounced, SAH-win) - old Irish for Summer's End.
It was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man
to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Departed souls were thought to visit their homes on this one special night.
Festivals with bonfires, candles, and offerings of food and drink to appease the spirits were laid out.
The festivals also included 'Mumming and Guising', which goes back to the 16th century.
This involved people going house to house in costume (or disguise)
reciting verses and songs in exchange for food.
They carried hollowed out gourds or turnips as lanterns carved to represent spirits or goblins.
These became known as Jack-o-Lanterns.
Nobody wanted to turn away 'Jack'.
To do so could bring very bad luck.
So on this All Hallow's Eve, this magical night -
don't forget to leave out an offering for the goblins, spirits and fairies that come to the door.
Real or imagined!
And remember -
Be Wary!
It's scary
In the Dark!
xoxo
Love your post! A little of history, a little of fun, a little of scare. Charming!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice and scary day
Marina
A fantastic post Karen! I love that house, definitely one to keep away from at Halloween! We are all set with sweets and the kids are decorating the house today so I am sure to be in for a fright when I get back from work. Happy Halloween! x
ReplyDeleteOh how fun! The haunted house is so inviting...the pumpkin looking good in the field.
ReplyDeleteunfortunately we dont have hallowen here :D
Happy Halloween!
A little spooky, a little scary but I don't mind coz you can get lots of candy!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Halloween! Is that cat real??
Hope you do get lots of candy, sweet friend! That is my sweet kitty, 'Lucky' who is no longer with us. He was a ham! Happy Halloween! xoxo
DeleteGreat post - love the history and the images. Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Halloween post. And thank you so much for you kind comment on my Facebook post about my father's surgery,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love the history and the photos are all charming. Well written to celebrate the day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Halloween to you! (And thanks for letting us know how to pronounce "Samhein". When we read about it to the kids we pronounced it like it looks:)
ReplyDeleteGreat image series you show Karen. Wish you a good Halloween day / evening :) Hugs Hanne Bente ♥
ReplyDeleteScary and beautiful at the same time. Thanks for sharing Karen. Happy Halloween to you!
ReplyDeletegood post! boo to you!
ReplyDeleteThe dark is scary. Bumps in the dark are even scarier... LOL BOO!
ReplyDeleteYeah -- scary when you get your self all worked up over a Shadow and find it to be a tree limb - wink! Have a safe day...
ReplyDeleteHugs
OoooOoo....I have goosebumps all over :) Or as my friend says, chicken bumps! haha I am definitely scared of the dark...I know, pathetic, right?
ReplyDeleteWell sweet friend, have a lovely day. Big hugs to you!
The dark does it for me every time...so scary....Love the post.... Happy Halloween.... Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeleteDearest Karen,
ReplyDeleteGuess that both of us are not being brain washed by commercials enough to participate in any of this Halloween craze. For what? To dump more trash afterwards onto our environment and thus polluting our world more? How many tons of costumes will end up like that in the land fill each year...
It is far more appropriate for sticking to your culture and religion of All Saints and All Souls for remembering all our departed loved ones. Especially those from the past year. And for us, today is the birthday of Pieter's middle brother whom we lost to cancer in 2006.
Hugs to you,
Mariette
You are such a fun mom....Great post; I really enjoyed reading it and seeing your photographs....
ReplyDeleteAs a Scot I love Halloween - we have lots of traditions. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
Oh Karen I love that you explained the history and your photos are wonderful. Hug B
ReplyDeleteI never knew most of this - very interesting! - And so well illustrated, I felt as though I being told a bedtime story.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - and wonderful costume pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post - and wonderful costume pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that picture of your kids!!! And is that first picture one that you all made??? I just love it!! I would frame it because it is just so sweet! What a fun post Karen! I have heard the history of Halloween before but have learned a few more parts through your post! I should have left offerings out!!! Such beautiful photos to go along with this tale Karen!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love the story and the photos fun, cheerful, well written to commemorate the day! HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL IN!!
ReplyDeleteJust saw a story on TV this week of the history. Your photos are perfect to accompany it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that house. It looks like something out of a Tim Burton movie.
A lovely post!
Happy Halloween Karen! , love the history ... so scary.
ReplyDelete