By now I think that many people are aware of the roots of Halloween- a mixture of the Celtic harvest festival Samhain (falling directly between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice) and the Christian “All Hallows’ Eve” which is observed the evening before All Saints Day. Other cultures celebrate similar festivals too. Mexico has the Day of the Dead, in which families honor their departed loved ones. China has the “Hungry Ghost Festival”- a celebration and offering of food and prayers to departed loved ones.
Love it or hate it, Halloween is a magical time when we open up to the idea that there is something beyond what we see with our eyes. I can’t see atoms with my eyes, but I know that I’m made up of them. It’s a time when we open up to mystery and unknowing. To me that’s thrilling! What fun would life be if we knew all the answers, or… gasp… if we were always “right” about everything. I can’t fathom many things that I know exist- the vastness of the universe, the fact that subatomic particles can exist in two places at once, dark matter… but I’m okay with that. I’m here to learn and experience life, not to know all of the answers.
I leave you with a ‘Halloween Blessing’ from my favorite children’s book of blessings- The Barefoot Book of Blessings from Many Faiths and Cultures -by Sabrina Dearborn
At this time of dark and night,
Spirits often give a fright.
We call upon the ancient dead,
Circling now around our head.
Bring the blessings from before,
While we stand with open door.
Ancient spirits hear us now,
Peace and Love do we avow.
Peace, Love and Laughter,
Emily
Love it or hate it, Halloween is a magical time when we open up to the idea that there is something beyond what we see with our eyes. I can’t see atoms with my eyes, but I know that I’m made up of them. It’s a time when we open up to mystery and unknowing. To me that’s thrilling! What fun would life be if we knew all the answers, or… gasp… if we were always “right” about everything. I can’t fathom many things that I know exist- the vastness of the universe, the fact that subatomic particles can exist in two places at once, dark matter… but I’m okay with that. I’m here to learn and experience life, not to know all of the answers.
I leave you with a ‘Halloween Blessing’ from my favorite children’s book of blessings- The Barefoot Book of Blessings from Many Faiths and Cultures -by Sabrina Dearborn
At this time of dark and night,
Spirits often give a fright.
We call upon the ancient dead,
Circling now around our head.
Bring the blessings from before,
While we stand with open door.
Ancient spirits hear us now,
Peace and Love do we avow.
Peace, Love and Laughter,
Emily