Family Ideas for Samhain/Holloween

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Family Ideas for Samhainby Heather Evenstar OstermanarticleLet's face it; Halloween is a major commercialized holiday. So how doyou find something meaningful to pull out of all the mainstreamcommercialism for your Sabbat celebrations? What do you do when mostof the people around your family don't understand the ancienttraditions they unconsciously uphold?Take a close look at the history behind the holiday, then create newtraditions for your family to enjoy year after year. You don't haveto reject the mainstream; just teach your children why modernpractices exist.Samhain (also known as the Festival of the Dead or All Hallows' Eve)is a time for us to release the spirits of those who have died duringthe previous year and for us to honor our ancestors. It is customaryto set an extra place at your supper table on Samhain Eve in honor of5.the departed. This is not a scary time, rather a time when the veilis thin and we can spend time with the spirits in warmth and love.Here are some activities to try out with your family:1.Volunteer to talk to your child's class about the origins ofHalloween and how Wiccans really celebrate Samhain.2.Together as a family, create an altar honoring your family'sbeloved dead (including pets). Use photos, mementos, keepsakes oranything that seems right.3.Make candleholders out of apples, turnips, gourds and smallpumpkins by hollowing out deep holes in the tops. Make sure thecandles are well-secured in the bases.4.Put candles in the windows to guide spirit travelers on their way.Eat dinner by candlelight, setting a place at the table for yourbeloved dead. If your children are older, try having a Dumb Supperwhere the meal is eaten in silence so the spirits are not frightenedaway.5.Bob for apples in your cauldron!6.Carve jack-o-lanterns to protect your home from malicious spirits.Have your children help make up a spell of protection to enforce thescary jack-o-lantern faces.7.Plant flower bulbs in your yard or somewhere special. Think of thisas a special promise for spring, a secret the earth will keep.8.Take a walk and observe animals (like squirrels and geese) preparefor winter. At home, prepare for winter in your own way.9.Make a family tree on poster board. Let the kids draw pictures ofeach of the people on your tree.10.Snack on seeds and nuts (try toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds).Or try making skull-shaped popcorn balls.11.Tell your children stories of when they where younger. Thenencourage them to make up stories of their lives in the future.Why should kids have all the fun?12.The whole family should make costumes and go trick-or-treating!Heather Osterman is the family services coordinator for the AquarianTabernacle Church (ATC). 2004 by the article's author