If you are an Aussie, You may just think Halloween is for the USA; it is quite common to hear Australians say they do not even participate. That Halloween is a ‘commercial holiday’ made by the Americans. What might shock you though is just how connected to ‘Halloween’ and its ancestry is embedded in the many unsuspecting Aussies.
Celtic Roots
Halloween takes it roots in Celtic tradition. If you are to have Uk or northern/east European decent you are more genetically tied to these traditions than you think. Pagans celebrate eight major holidays throughout the year, known as Sabbats. They are based on pre-Christian customs related to the seasons and human life. This season and celebration is called Samhain ( pronounced ‘Saa Ween’) and falls on All Hallows Eve. The word Samhain comes from the Irish Gaelic word for “summer’s end.” and was a time of honouring death; it was tradition was to hold a festival in our ancestors honour as the crops die and the earth grows cold. During this time of transition of seasons, the Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest and the spirits of all those who had passed away since the previous Samhain celebration moved on to their next life. ts a time to communicate and acknowledge our ancestors - those that have passed, death of crops and abundance they provided. Its a time for gratitude. Our ancestors would put on a great feast ( which is the usual tradition for each Sabbat )
Many of the Celtic/pagan folk took these traditions with them. Many migrated to America and Australia and while the underlying reasons became lost knowledge; the traditions never died. Its also noteworthy that in Australia we are in the Southern Hemisphere. So during the month of October we are in late Spring. Samhain ) is traditionally for Autumn for the reasons I have just mentioned. You could either follow along with the Northern hemisphere or if you are after a deeper connection to the land and seasons you can practise these old traditions as the season changes.
How you can make a Samhain Holiday meaningful by creating your own traditions and rituals
Create a feast
The cooling months call for fruitcake, spiced bread with rustic grain, apples and nuts. Feast on the last of summer’s bounty. Contemplate what is worth saving and nurturing during the dark of winter.
Acknowledge the dead and past ancestors.
Create an Alter for your ancestors, place some frames up on an alter to those that have passed. Give them a visit with an offering. I’ll never forget my Late Aunty having a place at the table at my cousins wedding. Her daughters ( my cousins) enjoyed and joked about her presence all night long. You can also add plants a bowl of the seasons Autumn harvest, symbols of death, or dieties.
Try to make friends and be in peace with Death.
You can meditate and allow you mind to go into the depths of the underworld. Cast off old attachments that have been gained over the year. Let go of any attachments that do not serve you and allow yourself to grieve. It may be a person, an idea or a habit. Surrender; Ready to be reborn at winters end.
Have fun
Samhain does not have to be all gloomy and dark, Surrender is about finding the beauty/peace and new doorways of rebirth available with death. Samhain celebrations often held song and dance that were lighthearted and fun. Particular dance rituals such as the wheel circle, creating a chain of people moving 4 people at a time.
Pranks were often played on people during Samhain and treats were often served so you didn’t fall victim to one. Perhaps you could join in the trick or treat offerings or take a turn becoming a trickster!