The Roots of
Hallowe’en (and Day of the Dead):
What’s it
all about?
Why has the day of All Hallows Eve – Hallowe’en -- devolved into a day of fun and
fear? How was this once- Holy Day commemorated before it was all
commercialized into a scary night? Is it possible to discover the roots
of this day, and observe it in its original fashion today?
In the 11th century, November 2nd was assigned as
"All Souls’ Day" in commemoration of the dead. So this began
the use of the term Hallow’s Eve, or Hallowe’en for October 31.
Hallowe’en customs are similar to the observance of Dia de los Muertos or Day
of the Dead, commonly racticed in Mexico and which can be traced to early
Aztec times. Apparently, this “day of the dead” was originally
commemorated in Mexico in May, and was changed to November 2 sometime after
Spanish contact, possibly to correspond with the “Christian” tradition.
FOOD and GIFTING
Trick or treating in modern times goes back to leaving food and wine for
roaming dead spirits and ghosts. The custom was referred to as "going
a-souling" and was eventually practiced only by the children who would
visit the houses in their neighborhoods and be given gifts of ale, food and
money. It was believed the spirits of the dead returned to visit their old
homes during this time, so in ancient times, people left food out for them and
arranged chairs so that the dead would be able to rest.
Treats called “soul cakes” were given out in memory of the departed. The
Middle Age practice of souling — going door to door begging for food in return
for prayers — became popular and is even referenced by William Shakespeare in
1593. This is obviously the root of the modern “trick or treating” for
mini Snickers bars, a practice no doubt loved by every dentist.
Seasonal foods such as apples and nuts were often used in the Samhain rituals.
Apples were peeled, the peel tossed over the shoulder, and its shape examined
to see if it formed the first letter of the future spouse's name. Nuts
were roasted on the hearth and then interpreted – if the nuts stayed together,
so would the couple. Egg whites were dropped in water, and the shapes foretold
the number of future children. Children would also chase crows and divine some
of these things from the number of birds or the direction they
flew.
COSTUMES
Celts would wear masks when they left their homes during the night hours during
Samhain days, because they hoped they would avoid being recognized by the
ghosts and be mistaken merely for fellow ghosts.
“Mumming” and “Guising” were a part of Samhain from at least the 16th century
and was recorded in parts of Ireland, Scotland, Mann and Wales. It involved
people going from house to house in costume (or in disguise), usually reciting
songs or verses in exchange for food. It is suggested that it evolved
from a tradition whereby people impersonated the aos sí, or the souls of
the dead, and received offerings on their behalf. Impersonating these
spirits or souls was also believed to protect oneself from them.
One researcher suggests that the ancient festival included people in masks or
costumes representing these spirits, and that the modern custom came from this.
PARADES
Pagan Celtic priestesses and their followers would roam the countryside,
chanting songs in order to frighten away the evil spirits thought to be out on
Halloween night. I wonder how that could be practiced in your
neighborhood?
FIRES
Bonfires were a big part of the festival in many areas
of western Europe. Bonfires were typically lit on hilltops at Samhain
where everyone could see them, and there were rituals involving them. We concluded that a small, safe backyard fire
might be a good addition to celebrating the day, though we were pretty sure
that local fire departments would take a very dim view if fires were built on
local hilltops!
Bonfires comes from the root, “bone-fires” because the priests sacrificed animals and supposedly even people in an attempt to appease the sun god, while also looking for future omens. The fire was said to be a type of sympathetic magic, where the fire mimicked the sun, which has the power to hold back the darkness of winter. Burning the fires was also believed to be a way of banishing evil, at least symbolically.
DIVINATION
Divination
has likely been a part of the festival since ancient times, and it has survived
in some rural areas. In part, this meant that the spirits could enter
your world. Many of the food offerings and fires were directed to these
spirits. Or perhaps, some of the crops might also
be left in the ground for them. These spirits were
addressed in various ways, with food offerings, with walks into the ocean, with
the idea to hold off any mischief, and perhaps to learn the future.
The belief that the souls of the dead return home on one night of the year
seems to have ancient origins and is found in many cultures throughout the
world.
CONCLUSION
So what do you conclude from all this? Is there an ideal way to
commemorate this ancient day, and still avoid the trappings of
commercialization? Is it even possible?
I like the way that the Day of the Dead is commemorated. There are altars with
pictures of the dearly departed, and plates of good food. Candles are
lit, rather than a big bonfire which the local fire department would frown
upon. Families gather, and talk in respectful tones about their departed
relatives. Yes, of course, even the Day of the Dead has turned into wild
partying in some quarters, but if you seek a return to roots of the ancient
commemoration of the dead, perhaps begin here.
Begin with family or neighborhood gatherings. Prepare a good meal, and keep in
the mind the foods that your beloved departeds enjoyed. This is not necessarily
because you think their spirits will come to eat (last I checked, ghosts don’t
need to eat), but because having, for example, your mother’s favorite dish will
give you another reason to talk about your mother, and to remember all the good
things she did.
This is at least a start, and it elevates our day of ghoulish and pointless
fear-mongering into one that reconnects us with our roots.
