Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which comes from the Old Irishfor summers end.[18] Samhain (pronouncedsah-win or sow-in) was the first and most important of the four quarter days in the medieval Gaelic calendar and was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.[21][22]It was held on or about October 31 – November 1 and kindred festivals were held at the same time of year by the Brittonic Celts; for example Calan Gaeaf (in Wales), Kalan Gwav (in Cornwall) and Kalan Goañv (inBrittany). Samhain and Calan Gaeaf are mentioned in some of the earliest Irish and Welsh literature. The names have been used by historians to refer to Celtic Halloween customs up until the 19th century,[23] and are still the Gaelic and Welsh names for Halloween.Samhain/Calan Gaeaf marked the end of theharvest season and the beginning of winter or the darker half of the year.[24][25] LikeBeltane/Calan Mai, it was seen as a time when the spirits or fairies (the Sí) could more easily come into our world and were particularly active.[26][27] The souls of the dead were also said to revisit their homes.[28]Feasts were had, at which the souls of dead kin were beckoned to attend and a place set at the table for them.[29] However, the spirits or fairies could also cause harm, and needed to be propitiated or warded-off. This is thought to have influenced todays Halloween customs. Bonfires, which were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers, were lit and sometimes used in divination rituals.[23][24] At the household festivities in these areas, there were many rituals intended to divine the future of those gathered, especially with regard to death and marriage.[24][30] Christian minister Eddie J. Smith has suggested that the bonfires have a later Christian origin and were used to scarewitches of their awaiting punishment inhell.[31]
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 05:14:55 +0000
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