Guest guest Posted December 5, 2001 Report Share Posted December 5, 2001 To continue... Trick or treat? Why this ancient tradition should be so popular around here I don't know but, having recently endured an evening of young ghouls, goblins and witches dripping blood upon my doorstep and relieving me of countless mini-bars of chocolate and all loose change, I determined to discover the origins of this custom. Shamain marked the beginning of the winter season of cold and austerity in countries with Celtic traditions. It marked the endo of one pastoral year and the beginning of the next. This 'new year' festival was also associated with death - decaying plants and flowers, and dwindling daylight. It was the one period when spirits for the Otherworld became visible to men. With the coming of Christianity this celebration became harvest Festival. Samain Eve became known as Hallowe'en - these days a night of ghoulish pranks, grinning pumkin lanterns and grotesque party food. Not so long ago it was believed to be a genuinely eerie 'in between worlds' night when fairies, witches, and goblins mixed with the living. The jack-o-langern pumpkins and turninps would warn away ghouls and witches. Ritual games, such as bobbing or ducking for apples and love-divination by nut-cracking, still provide hilarious entertainment at our local village hall. Part 3 with actual Essential oil references will continue later! Cheers! Kathleen Petrides SmeLLeNNiuM: 101 Aromatic Stories http://www.101aromas.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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